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ONEWAGO.IS^ 



A COLLECTION OP 3 ^ r 

Catholic local History. 



GATHERED FROM THE FIELDS OF CATHOLIC MISSIONARY LABOR 
WITHIN OUR REACH. 



An Humhle Effort to Preserve Some Reinemhrance of Those 

Who Have Geme Before, and hy Their LivGS, Their Labors 

and Their Sacri fees, Secured for Siicceeeliiig Genera- 

tifjns the Enjoyment of Happy Homes, and All 

the Blessings of Our Holy Catholic Religion. 



By JOHN T. REILY. 



HERALD PRINT, 
MARTINSBURG, W. VA., 

1885. 






z7. 






m 



^o. 6, Conewago Chapel ; new steeple ; view from Mc- 
Sherrjstown side ;* Father Enders and Miss Sally Lilly stand- 
ing at the gate. No. 7, Sanctuary and new marble altar. 







DEDICATORY, ^Cf|^^ 

To the Reverend Fathers, 
JOSEPH ENDERS and FRAN. XA V. DENECKERE, 
Noble Gentlemen, Devoted Priests and Kind 
Teachers, Untiring Laborers in Every Cause of 
Religion, True Missionary Representatives, Faith- 
ful Disciples of Their Divine Master, and Worthy 
Sons of Ignatius de Loyola, these Pages arc 
Gratefully Dedicated, in all Consciousness 
of their Imperfection and Incom-plcteness, 

BY AN HUMBLE PUPIL 






BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION. 

The Church has reason to rejoice, that CathoUcs are 
awakening to the justice and importance of reclaiming and 
preserving the early history and records of the religion of 
their fathers. Want, intolerance and persecution drove them 
from their native land. They came into a strange and un- 
settled country, — cast adrift in the Indian wilds of America, 
without homes, without a church or a government, and with- 
out anything necessary to life and happiness. 

This generation, with all the grandeur and perfection of 
its civilization, can never fully understand nor in the least 
appreciate the sufferings and struggles of those who cleared 
our fields and built our homes. The enjoyments and com- 
forts we now possess, are ours only by inheritance as the 
fruits of their labors. 

By the sweat of their brow and the valor of their arm, 
grew this mighty religious and social fabric, — the Church to 
teach, to bless and to save, — the State to guard and protect. 

Before a settlement had been formed or a law enacted, 
the Church was here. Before a Calvert or a Penn had been 
granted a charter, the Jesuits watered the forests primeval 
with their blood. They planted the Cross and offered up the 
Holy Sacrifice, that soon there might be labor in the desert 
wastes before them. Others came, and in many a lowly 
wigwam and humble " Mass-house " were heard the praises 
of God, in the celebration of the divine mysteries of the altar. 
Follow the names in history or geography, — from the St. 
Lawrence to the Pacific, from the Lakes to the Gulf, from 
Maine to Florida, — at every step there is some living evi- 
dence of the Catholic Church. Time and its changes can 
never obliterate them. Their impress is indelibly blended 
on every monument of greatness, on every work of genius ; 
in the laws and institutions of the country, in the lives of 
millions of its inhabitants, in the memory of millions more. 



IV BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION. 

How (it and proper that the children of the Cliurch 
sliould remember all she has done for them. From Rome 
herself sprang this desire, when Pius IX. of saintl}^ mcmor)- 
opened to the world the treasures of her lore. Men took up 
the good work in this country ; historical societies were or- 
ganized, researches made, and Catholics h;ive every reason 
to be proud of the history of their Church. 

The East has a grand l)nt unwritten histor}'. The 
Church wept over the graves of the founders of that " Hap- 
pie Marieland." She in turn rejoiced over the cradle of her 
hierarchy in America. Every hill and valley and sub-division 
of country, bear names derived from the Catholic Church.-^ 
Every foot of ground is to her a land-mark. Will her gi-eat 
and gifted men never respond to the inspiration of the mem- 
or}^ of all that is Catholic in Maryland ? 

Conewago is one of the oldest of the Maryland missions. 
Though in Pennsylvania, it was founded under the impres- 
sion, and no doubt rightly so, that it belonged to the Mary- 
land province. To write its history is an undertaking far 
beyond our ability. "Under other circumstances," we had 
once hoped to do it justice. Alas ! they will never come. — 
Partly educated and living with the Jesuits, misfortune turn- 
ed our course, and Remembrance alone remains. 

The only motive tliat now prompts us, is the desire to 
add an hnml)le mite to one of the granrlest histories America 
will ever have,- — that of the Catholic Church. It is intended 
sim})ly as a collection of scraps gathered by the wayside of 
early life. Time and means and ability are wanting to 
put them properly together. The critic will say, better to 
have left it alone. Far better, for others much more capable 
iiave passed along and gone their way. Conewago's history 
was not written. Tliis i^ a poor attempt at writing it, but at 
least the fragments we ha\'e gathered shall bo preserved. R_y 
conrming ourselves within the limits of our knowledge and 
])ui'pose, we hope to avoid tlie moi'e serious faults of rashness 
and cri'or. One great desire is to write in a Catholic spirit, 
and in accordance with the teaciiings of tlie Catholic Church. 
That done, we hope the want of polish and learning ]nay be 
the more readily overlooked. 

Martinrburg, W. Va., 

Fai.^t of Corpm C/trisii, June 4th, 1885. 



THE CHURCH AND ITS HEROES. 



How woudert'iilly dependent upon each other, are men 
and then" actions ? Great or small, near together or widely 
separated, there is a bearing in all things, for good or for 
evil. It may not be felt, nor seen, nor thought of, but it ex- 
ists ; and openly or silent ly^ the tendency is carried out in 
time and beyond. 

Who could have discovered a common end between the 
child born in the Chateau of Loyola at Biscay in Spain, 1491, 
and the hardy sailor planning and explaining to the learned 
men and before the Courts of Europe, in that very same 
year! But there was. Conewago is an atom in the sea of 
results ilowing from the lives and labors of Christopher Col- 
umbus and Ignatius Loyola. So all through life, from the 
huml)lest details tliat are passed by unnoticed, to the migiity 
events that mark the centuries in distinction. 

Then let us for a moment skim over the main of discov- 
ery and settlement, and take a few (lowers here and there 
from the beautiful treasure-gardens of American heroism, in 
which the fairest in bud or bloom is a Catholic virtue and a 
Catholic deed ; — happy enough if we may call our own the 
ravel-string that binds them. 

" In the Ibreground of American history there stand 
these three figures, — a lady, a sailor and a monk. Might 
they not be thought to typify Faith, Hope, and Charity." — 
D'Arcy McCee. ' 

Columbus is the grand central hgure. The lady, Isabella 
the Catholic, " one of the purest and most beautiful characters 
in history." The monk, Juan Perez, wlio brought Colum})us 
back to confidence and success, when in despair he was about 
to quit Spain forever. 

Columbus ! so much like St. Ignatius. Devoutly Cath- 
olic, pure and holy, he lived and labored only for the greater 
honor and glory of God. His devotion to the l^lessed Virgin 
is the corner-stone of America's consecration to her honor 



G CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

and to the service of lier Divine Son. Li her honor lie nam- 
ed his vessel and his discoveries ; and saihng under her pat- 
ronage, he sang her praises over all the broad ocean. lie 
remembered his religion in all things, — himself in nothing. 

Columbus is the type and model of his successors in the 
Catholic voyages of discovery, — Alonzo de Ojeda, Yasco 
Nunez de Balboa, Hernando Cortes, Cabral, Orellana, Magel- 
lan, and others. Wherever they went, these navigators and 
explorers planted the cross, and their memorj^ shall perish, 
NEVER. Sebastian Cabot gave P^ngland a continent, 1)ut 
"no one knows his burial-place." 

In the far north, the names of towns and rivers to this 
day give evidence of the religion of Cartier, Cham})laiu and 
La Salle. In 1679, the latter built the lirst sailing vessel on 
Lake Erie. With his name goes that of the explorer of the 
Mississippi, Fei-dinand de Soto,^ — the associate of Pizzaro and 
a worthy companion of Columbus. He slept in the bosom of 
the Mississippi in 1542. "The priests chanted over his body 
the first requiems that were ever heard on the waters of the 
Mississippi." 

With such characters of nobility we may place the bravo 
and generous Montcalm. What a difterence between tlie 
early heroes Catholic Europe gave to America, and many of 
those who came from there in a more infidel age ? 

It is impossible in this short s[)ace to follow the progi-ess 
of discovery or the missionary labors. This broad land is 
marked by such foot-steps from one end to the other. 

•' Amid the West India isles, through Mexico, Peru, 
Brazil and the southern continent, the cross was borne by the 
missionaries of Spain and Portugal : the Norweginn, Irish, 
and later the French and English, Ix^re it through our own 
more northern climes." 

The Franciscan, Dominican and Jesuit achieved the 
greater part of the toil, and i-eaped the greatest harvests. 

The Irish discovered Iceland and estal)lis]ied Christianity 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 7 

there, then planted a colony on the southern coast of North 
America. A pagan Icelander, driven there in 983, was 
baptized in the colony. 

The hrst American See was founded by Ere, consecrated 
by the Archbishop Adzer at Lund, in Denmark, 1121. 

" The ancient tholus in Newport, the erection of which 
appears to be coeval with the time of Bishop Ere, belonged 
to a Scandinavian church or monaster}^, where, in alternation 
with Latin Masses, the old Danish tongue was heard seven 
himdred years ago." — Roi/al Socictij of Aidiquarians. 

The Italian friar, Mark, 1539, traveled from Mexico 
through the deep forests to the Pacific, and named that vast 
realm San Francisco. 

" In 1G25, just a year after the Jesuits had reached the 
sources of the Ganges and Thibet, the banks of the St. Law- 
rence received priests of the order, which was destined to 
carry the cross to Lake Superior and the West." — Bancroft. 

Montreal, (the town of Mary,) founded in 1G40, was the 
starting point of the Jesuit missionaries. From 1634 to 
1649, sixt}^ missionaries visited the wilderness of the Hurons, 
carrying the glad tidings of the Gospel to the surrounding- 
tribes. Father Allouez, in 1665, on a voyage of discovery, 
heard for the first time from the Indians of the great river, 
" Mesipi." The first colony of French settlers in the Missis- 
sippi Valley was established by the Jesuit missionaries. In 
1637, Marquette explored the Mississippi. 

The Jesuit missions in America are the grandest monu- 
ments in the history of the Society. Sublime are the lives of 
its members. The Catholic Church has no more glorious 
record. Their labors, sufferings and deaths are as inspiring 
as the Lives of the Saints or the Trials of the Early Martyrs. 

" Here a missionary is frozen to death, there another 
sinks beneath the heat of the western prairie ; here Brebeuf 
is killed by the enemies of his flock, and Segura by an apos- 
tate — Dennis and Menard die in t1ie wilderness, Dolbean is 



8 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

blown up at sea, Noyrot wrecked on the shore ; l)ut these 
dangers never deterred the missionary. In tlie language of 
the great American historian, ' the Jesuit never receded one 
foot.'"— Shea. 

" Why he at war with history? The Jesuits arc there, 
in the outer gate of all our chronicles. Speak them civilly 
as you pass on. For us, cold compliments are not enough. — 
Our blood warms at witnessing their heroic virtue, and we 
are compelled to raise our voices in evidence of our homage. 
They were the first to put the forest brambles by ; they were 
the first to cross the thi-esholds of the wigwams of every na- 
tive tribe ; they first planted the cross in the wilderness, and 
shed their blood cheerfully at its base. Shall we not study 
their lives and recall their words ? Shall we not figure thein 
on canvas and carve them in marble ? Shall we not sing tlie 
song of their triumph, and teach it to our children's children, 
until the remotest generation ? We have never had cause to 
be ashamed of them ; and God grant they may have none to 
be ashamed of us. I ask again of those not with us, Why be 
at war with history ? The Jesuit is in the gate, and you can 
no more enter the first chapter of your own chronicles with- 
out meeting him there than you can enter Quebec in time of 
war without giving the sentry the countersign." — McGee. 

The priests who came with Columbus on his second voy- 
age, consecrated a chapel in Isabella, in Hayti, on the feast 
of Epiphany, 1494. The early Dominican and Jesuit mis- 
sionaries in Florida were murdered by the Indians, one after 
another. One grand deed of theirs was the liberation of all 
the natives of Florida, held as slaves in the islands. It stands 
out in bold contrast with the inhuman traffic afterwards car- 
ried on from that direction. Besides the wail of the dusky 
slave, that land is cursed by the groan of the exile and the 
lamentation of the flower of Ireland for its home and kindred. 

In 1570, a band of Jesuit missionaries from Florida, with 
a converted Indian for a guide, found themselves on the lone- 
ly banks of the Chesapeake. They hurried into the unex- 



CATIIOLIO I.OCAJ. ILiSTOm'. !) 

plorod lorostw, eager to bring to the Red Man the Hght of 
<'hi'istianit_y. Desei'ted l)y theii* guide, they pcrisluMJ ])y ]iis 
uugratet'nl hand, at tlie loot of a rude aUar on wliidi tlie 
Holv Saei-ifice was l)eing ollered 

This country has ])een redeemed by such acts of hero- 
ism. Who can recount them? Many of them are not record- 
ed, for the fairest ilowei's always bloom unseen. Catholics 
may well be proud of American history. It is their own ^ 
theirs in discovery, ex})loration and settlement; theirs in re- 
ligion, purchased l>y their 1)lo()<l ; theirs in peace and in war, 
in science and in progress, in its laws and government, — theirs 
in the peaceful possession of life, happiness and prosperity. 
(Irandly tlieir own, but not seliishly. There is not a blot of 
(Jatholic intolerance on its pages. It is the common country 
of a free and independent jteople. 

May we not take the beautifid words of Fenelon, and 
with them exclaim: Oh Land of America! Oh sacred Land! 
Oh dear and common country of all true christians! And 
then we listen in raj)t admiration to the end that so l)eauti- 
fulh" crowns the work of the scholai'ly Matd^eod : — 

Who then has the true claim to the ownershi]) of Xoi'tli 
America? The I'cd Indian ste})s noiselessly forward and says, 
■ it is I ! For ages immemorial my fathers hshed these wa~ 
tei's, or sti'uck down the game in these yet undeseci'ated for- 
ests. '" " 1 (daim the land," saith the S[)aniai'd. " 1, who re- 
deemed those Southern pampas, aiul first taught the Oulf and 
the lagoon the sounds of Christian })raise." " It is mine," 
says the lier}'' Caul, "The snow-wastes of Canada were 
(a-imsoned with French l»lood : it was a French sword which 
tamed the liei'ce Iroquois, and tribes of evcu'y tongue, the 
roaniing Algonquin, from the ndghty ocean to the mysterious 
gr(iat lakes.'* 

"The land is min(\" says tlie English Puritan from Berks 
or Huntingdon ; or the English Cavalier from Derbyshire, 
Yoi-k, and Cumberland. The IIigidaiid(>r, in gutturals deep 



10 CON EW AGO— A COLLECTlOxX OF 

as those with which he turned away from the red, red field of 
Cnlloden, demands at least the mountains of the Carolinas 
and Greor<i,ia, the cold coasts of Nova Scotia, and part of the 
shores of Saint Lawrence. 

But we cannot grant to any one of these the fulness of 
his claim. Wherever they are found as agents acting sul)- 
serviently to the fulness of our own chiim ; wherever they 
.sliall seem to have advanced and aided tliat, we will give 
them the praise of worthy servants. 

Reverence then for the silent Indian ; reverence, deep as 
justice, mute as himself, for the olden lord of this land ! 
Honor to the swarth Iberian who planted the yellow stand- 
ard of Castile on tlie sliores of the Mexican Gulf; honor to 
the chivalric Frank who swung the lilies out to the icy air of 
Canada : honor to the broad-chested Briton, for he named his 
first town Saint Af ary's : honor to the sinewy son of the green 
ohl Island of Fire : honor to the patient toiler who came, 
ringing harmonious choruses, from the arrowy rush of the 
llhine — but glory supreme to the Lord of Hosts, from whom 
all blessings are ! For whom and for His Mother, we claim 
as theirs, by right of first discovery and seizure, tliis North 
American continent. Glory to God, the Eternal, and honor 
perpetual to Inunaculate Mar}". 



PENN AND CALVERT COME. 

The liistory of Europe for two hundred years before 
the colonization of America, is one of warfare and perse- 
cution. The terrible tragedies that were enacted in the 
name of religion and patriotism, are recalled with horror in 
this more peaceful age and country. Humanity is the strang- 
est study (»f creation. Habit and custom are so strong m 
mail tliat thev cling to generations. To these add human 



(JATFTOLKJ LOCAL HISTORY. 11 

prejudice, through which a ruhng point is traiisniitted from 
lather to son, carried from one country to another, and kept 
alive from century to centur)-. The .greatest blemishes on 
the history of Ameri(;a can be traced to their source, thous- 
ands of miles away and Innidreds of years ago. The purely 
American record is fair in comparison with the fruits of an 
inherited prejudice, felt to this day in many ways and seen 
in many things. 

It is not our [)urpose to review^ points of liistory ; but 
one thing leads to another, until we come to that humble 
part which is dearest to us as the object of our labor. For 
all tlie rest of the vast and ever-changing sea around us, it is 
sufficient to know that the Catholic Churcli has survived the 
ever-flowing and never-returning tide of the world ; and that 
this humble part of history we are about to record, came 
through the cliurcli and in all things belongs to her. We 
know the past. Faith ste[)s in at the present, and beyond 
the twilight of the futme into the growing shadows of its 
night, we see from the broken arches of London bridge the 
sad ruins before us ; and at the tinkling of a little bell adown 
where tlie chapel cross glitters in the sunlight stealing over 
the dark waters, every knee is bowed and every heart is 
hushed as of old, in the solemn silence of the Sanctus ! Sanc- 
tus ! Sanctus ! the last Hosanna of which will resound through 
eternity. 

The revolutions in Europe drove the colonists to this 
country and settled America. Freedom of thought and free- 
dom of action were denied them in the land of their fathers, 
and they looked to the New World for happier and more 
peaceful homes. Persecution followed them, led by many 
an evil genius of mother-land intolerance. Every change of 
tyrant-rule^r in Europe was severely felt in the colonies, until 
the glorious patriots with their taste of freedom could stand 
no more, and Independence was proclaimed in the land of 
the i'ree and the home of the ])rave. Would that we could 



12 CON]^]\VAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

recount the struggles of the lieroes of Independence, hut you 
liave the history of your country before you ; study it well 
iind let your children drink it in i'roni their youth, tliat this 
great Union of States and Union of Hearts may be prescj-ved 
and perpetuated forever. 

The lirst Pennsyh^ania settleujent was made by the 
Dutch, in 1GU9. The Swedes and Fins settled along the Del- 
aware in 1G27. Penn's charter was dated Westminster, 
March 4th. 1081. In December of that year, the first vessel 
arrived at Chestei-. Philadel[)hia was founded in 1082. — 
Penn followed an honest and peaceful })olicy in all his deal- 
ings with his })eo})lc. Catholics should hold the F^riends 
in respectful remembrance. Like Washington, Pemi h:i(l a 
kindly feeling for Catholics, especially after passing through 
many trials himself The laws of the mother-country and 
many of our own early enactments, nuist be taken into con- 
sideration when passing judgment uijon the course of Penn. 
Tlie influence of [)rejudice established by F]ngiish law was 
great, and in the end overcame Pemi himself In the other 
States Catholics fared worse. For the cause of the severe* 
penal laws in tlie Provinces, look to "the glorious revolution 
of 1G88." Then arose the -'No Po[)ery '* ci-y in New York, 
:uid " Down with the Jesuits."' Massachusetts and A'ii'ginia. 
wei-e thereby aroused against the Catholics. Under William 
and Mary liberty of conscience was allowed to all ('!M•i^fians, 
" except Papists." Then it was that the "' pions Acadian "' 
suffered. In 101)2. the F]pisc()pal chui-ch was estaldished by 
law in iMaryland. Acts were passed " to prevent the growth 
of Popery." Priests could not say Mass, nor teach, nor per- 
form any religious rite,- uiider a severe penalty of the law. - - 
Rewards were offered and imprisonment inllicted. One hun- 
dred pounds for sending a child abroad to be educated in the 
Catholic rehgion. The Catholic youth who upon attaining 
his maioritv refused to take the oaths prescribed, forfeited 
his lands by desceiit, and the next of kin being a Pi'otestam 
succeeded. Catholic worshi)) was pi'ohibited in Pemisylvania 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IILSTORY. L3 

in 1734 and 173G. The Acts of 1757, regulating the niihtia, 
did not allow Catholics to enter military duty or to have any 
ammunition or weapons in their houses or possession. 
Brighter da3^s came. The Catholic, tried by persecution, was 
found true and loyal to liis country and his God. He knew 
how to live, how to suffer and how to die. He sat in the 
C(juncils of the nation, and signed her great Declaration of 
Independence. He did not cease, though, to be persecuted 
by prejudice, and never will. His religion stands over and 
against him in this world. It ever did and ever will. Tliis 
old-time hatred crops out here and there to this day. — 
]^)ut Catholics are res[)ected and honored 1)y the mass of 
American co-religionists. Tlieir religion is recognized as a 
power for good. Let them guard it well, and keep aloof from 
all political entanglements, exercising their rights as Ameri- 
can citizens according to the dictates of their conscience — sup- 
[)orting men and measures and not party. This persecution 
and opposition to Catholics was not born in vVnierica ; it has 
its origin farther back than Smithfield or Tyburn, farther still 
than Nero or Diocletian ; it is coeval with Christianity itself, 
and is one of the strongest proofs of the true church, foretold 
by its founder, Jesus Christ. 

Wm. Penn was born in London, Oct. 16th, 1041. He 
was expelled from Christ Church, Oxford, and disowned by 
his father, for being a Quaker. He was twice imprisoned for 
preaching in puV)lic. His possessions in the New World were 
taken from him, on suspicion of his being in league with King- 
James in exile. These suspicions were declared unfounded 
in 1694, and he became a friend of King William. Burdened 
with debts, he closed his life in gloom and obscurity, 1718. 
The last claims of the Penns were purchased by the Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania, in 1779, for one hundred and thirty 
thousand pounds. 

Sir George Calvert, Baron of I5altimore, was born in 
Yorkshire, England, 1582, and died April 15th, 1032. He 
was a man of wealth and position, and was in attendance at 



14 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

the French Court of King Henri IV., of Navarre, whose 
daughter, Henrietta Maria, wile of Charles I., gave to Mary- 
land her name. 

"In an age when religious controversy still continued to 
be active, and when the increasing divisions among Protest- 
ants were spreading a general alarm, his mind sought relief 
from controversy in the bosom of the Roman Catholic 
Church." He resigned his political honors, retired to Ireland, 
and after visiting his settlement in New Foundland, he took 
up a grant of land in 1629, lying to the south of James River 
in Virginia. This grant he afterwards surrendered for the 
large and beautiful territory lying to the north of the Poto- 
mac. His charter was from Charles I., and descended to his 
son, Cecil, who was succeeded in 1675 by Charles Calvert. — 
The Calverts were deprived of their rights for a time, but 
were restored under Queen Anne as proprietors of Maryland 
and held their possessions up to the American Revolution. 

Leonard Calvert, brother of Cecil, and about two hun- 
dred people, set sail in the Ark and Dove from Cowes in the 
Isle of Wight, on St. Cecilia's day, Nov. 22, 1633. They 
placed themselves and their ships under the protection of God, 
and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and St. 
Ignatius. They sailed safely up St. Mary's River, and on the 
27th of March, 1634, took quiet possession of the Indian 
town of Yoacomoco ; " and religious liberty obtained a home, 
its only home in the wide world, at the humble village which 
bore the name of St. Mary's." ''' ''" '''' " The Roman Catho- 
lics, vvh(^ were oppressed by the laws of England, were sure 
to find a peaceful asylinn in the quiet harbors of the Chesa- 
peake ; and there, too. Protestants were sheltered against 
Protestant intolerance." — Bancroft. 

After nearl}^ two hundred years a selfish prejudice ques- 
tions the motives which led to religious toleration in Mary- 
land. Had the persecuted colonists in the other provinces 
1)een granted this priceless favor, they never would have ask- 
ed from what motives it proceeded, but embraced it as the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IILSTORY. L5 

choicest blessing from Heaven. 

"'Twill not.' — such was the oath of the Governor of 
Maryland, — 'I will not, ])y myself or an}^ other, directly or 
indirectly, molest any person [)rofessing to believe in Jesus 
Christ, for or in respect of religion.' " — Chalmers, 235 ; Mc- 
Mahon, 220. 

" An apprehension of some remote danger of persecution 
seems even then to have hovered over the minds of the llo- 
man Catholics."— Third Assembly of Maryland, 1039. 

It came, indeed, only too soon, and gave in exchange for 
Catholic toleration and a prosperous colonial government, all 
the evils of religious persecution in a reign of disorder and 
misrule. 

Catholic Maryland is the brightest gem in the crown of 
States. Religion lent not her charms in vain. In the dark 
days of her trials in America, the church looked to Maryland 
for hope and encouragement. Whatever fault may now bo 
found with the policy of the great lights of the church in 
Maryland, let it be said they acted well their parts, and laid 
the foundations of their buildhig on solid rock. Now when 
the building is up in all its massive strength, and al)le to with- 
stand the Ideating rain and the fury of the storm, it is eas_y 
for little and petulant minds to pick flaws here and there in 
its rugged gray foundation stones ; but it requires the height 
of genius to accurately measure the labor and material that 
entered into its erection, and the depth of learning to outline 
the circumstances upon which the plan of structure was laid. 

Catholic Maryland ! I might never tire to wander in thy 
broad and Ijcautifnl helds of religious culture. Every plant 
and shrub and tree is so f\xmiliar and home-like, and reminds 
me of the gardens of my mother, the church. Every name is 
dear to a thousand memories in the household of faitli. Thy 
laborers, I know them full well ; they have worked in the 
Father's vineyard in the heat of the day and bore the burden 
of the toil ; — they are Jesuits ! You meet them everywhere, 
cultivatinc; the barren wastes and the broad fields of wavina; 



IG CONi^WAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

grain ; they never rest nor weary, and murmnr not at their 
scanty pay. Happy Maryland ! I should like to count your 
treasures over, but it may not be. Time calls me away. 

On Annunciation Day, 1634, the Pilgrims celebrated their 
first Mass at St. Clement's on Heron's Island. That sacred 
place is now a sand- washed waste. 

Li 1636, there were four priests in the Maryland mis- 
sion. The Lidians were for the most part friendly to the 
Catholic missionaries, until excited and misled by the enemies 
of the church, when they turned upon their best friends in 
the world. Fathers White and Altham obtained a Init from 
the Indians and used it for a chapel. They converted the 
great Indian King, Tayac, and his wife, called Mary in bap- 
tism. At their marriage, Gov. Calvert and many distinguish- 
ed men came far distances through the wild country, to be 
present at the ceremony, which was made as impressive as 
tlie scanty facilities of a new settlement would permit. A 
cross was erected and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin 
chanted. 

The lirst [printing press in any British colony was set up 
by these Jesuit Fathers, and a Catechism printed for the In- 
dians. A copy is preserved in the archives at Ronnie. An 
Indian grammar and dictionary were also printed. 

During Clayborne's rebellion, Father White was sent in 
chains to England. After many trials and sufferings, he was 
banislied. but returned and died in London, Jan. 6th, 1657, 
in his 78th year. 

The Maryland historians have allowed the missionaries 
the credit of their labors, but not as they deserved. The 
part they took in the settlement of the country was the lead- 
ing one, and great was the influence of their labors, and last- 
ing. Davis in his Daij-Star pleads for justice to their mem- 
ory : Let not the Protestant historian of America give 
grudgingly. Let him testify, with a warm heart ; and pay, 
with gladness, the tribute so richly due to the memory of our 
early forefathers. I^et their deeds be enshrined in our hearts ; 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IILSTORY. 17 

and their names repeated in our households. Let the in be 
canonized, in the grateful regards of the American ; and hand- 
ed down, through the lips of a Jiving tradition, to his most re- 
mote posterity. In an age of cruelty, like true men, with 
heroic liearts, they fought the first great battle of religious 
liberty. And their fame, without reference to their ftxith, is 
now the inheritance, not only ot Maryland, but also of 
America. 



BOUNDARY DIFFICULTIES. 

When we look over the broad and fertile fields of the 
Conewago Valley, we see in the great natural wealth around 
us the reason why every foot of its ground was so bitterl}'' 
and persistently contested. The hard-working German farm- 
er was eager to push across the Susquehanria's legal barrier, 
and take up the rich bottom lands along the Codorus and the 
Conewago. The English gentry fi-oni the ranks of the Cal- 
verts, with their baronial ideas of grand estates, knew full 
well the value and advantages of these forest hills and val- 
leys bordering the tributaries which drained the land from 
the mountains to the rivers. The poor Irish peasant looked 
over the half-cleared patches with envy, and remembered the 
marshy wastes and barren hills of his own green isle with 
sadness. The restless, self-willed "squatter" comes along, 
despising metes and bounds as he does law and order, and 
cares only to go where he pleases and do whatever he wishes. 

Baltimore County, in the Province of Maryland, was 
formed in 1659. Many of the oldest deeds to property in the 
Conewago Valley, are from the Proprietaries of Maryland, 
when the land was claimed to be within the bounds of Balti- 
more County. For this reason, we do not agree with those 
who accuse the Maryland settlers of coming into the Province 
of Pennsylvania without leave or license. Chester County, 



18 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

to which the land originally belonged under the claims of 
Penn, was not formed until 1682, twenty-three years later 
than the formation of Baltimore Comity. Carroll County, 
now part of the border-line between the two States, was 
formed from parts of Baltimore and Frederick Counties, 1836. 
Tracing the land down on the Pennsylvania side, we find it 
was included in Chester County from 1682 to May 15th, 
1729, when Lancaster County was formed ; in Lancaster until 
Aug. 9th, 1749, the date of the formation of York County; 
and in York until Jan. 22d, 1800, when Adams, the present 
County, was cut off from York. Conewago Township was 
formed May 25th, 1800, out of parts of Heidelberg and Man- 
heim Townships, York County. Baltimore was laid out in 
1729, on lands of Charles Carroll. Frederick was laid out in 
1745; Georgetown in 1751; Hagerstown 1762; York in 
1741 ; Hanover in 1764; Gettysburg in 1780; Littlestown 
in 1765 ; Abbottstown in 1753 ; New Oxford in 1792. 

From various causes, the boundary claims and title diffi- 
culties through this border country, from the Susquehanna to 
what is now Mason & Dixon's line, were the longest in dispute 
and the most conflicting of any in the history of the Provin- 
ces. The poor settler might feel reasonably secure after hav- 
ing his tract entered in the Land Book for the County of 
15altimore and that of the Philadelphia Land-Office, with a 
release from the Carrolls, but great is his surprise when along 
comes Dudley Digges, claiming to have an order from the 
Council to make him give up his lands ! No wonder the set- 
tlers determined to defend their homes with their lives. 

As soon as Penn's grant was announced, a difficulty arose 
between himself and Lord Baltimore about the dividing line. 
They met together several times, but never came to any sat- 
isfactory understanding. First they agreed to adopt the bor- 
der fixed by the decree of 1685, but royal decrees did not 
satisfy the increasing dissensions among the settlers. Quar- 
rels arose, in which the laws of both Proprietaries were in- 
voked, or taken advantage of and misconstrued. Many acts 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IlLSTORY. 19 

of violence were committed, and great evil and lawlessness 
existed. The courts of justice were far away, and there be- 
ing no real or recognized authority, designing men used this 
state of affairs to their advantage. Petitions were sent to tlie 
Governor and the State Council, and royal orders were at- 
tempted to be enforced, but the difficulties continued. The 
section of country became a refuge for evil-doers, as the laws 
of either Province could be resisted and protection claimed 
under the other. In the same way, taxes were refused to be 
paid by men who enjoyed all the privileges of government 
with those who contributed to its support, for the majority of 
the settlers were honest and well-meaning, ready to submit to 
lawful authority wherever established. A Temporary Line 
was run by commissioners from both Provinces, but the diffi- 
culties continued. In 1757, the Grand Jury of the County 
made all conform to the royal order, that titles were good no 
matter on which side of the Temporary Line located, and 
designated as far as possible to which Province they belong- 
ed. The final settlement of the troubles was made in 17GG- 
67, when by order of the English Court of Cliancery, Cliarles 
Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, noted astronomers in England, 
run the present line, placing at ever}^ mile a stone with the 
letter P. and arms of Penn on one side, and the letter M. and 
escutcheon of Lord Baltimore on the other. Some of these 
mile-stones are standing to this day. 

By the grant of Charles II. to Wm. Penn, the southern 
boundary of the Province of Pennsylvania was made "a cir- 
cle drawn at twelve miles distant from New Castle, north- 
ward, and westward to the 40th degree of northern latitude, 
then by a straight line westward." Lord Baltimore's north- 
ern boundary, by his grant, was also the 40th parallel, but 
the circle twelve miles distant from New Castle would not in- 
tersect the 40th parallel, the distance being more than the 
twelve miles prescribed by the charter. " Each party con- 
sequentl}^ claimed the intervening strip, and the adherents of 



20 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

each, ignorant of real or assumed lines, claimed much more 
than their lords and masters." — Smith's Annals of Hanover 
and Hidory of Yorh County. 

Lord Baltimore's grant included all the present State of 
Delaware, and a portion of Pennsylvania, including the 
Counties of Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, York, Adams, 
Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Somerset. Li their attempts 
at settlement of the grant troubles, it was urged by the Penns 
that the Swedes and Dutch had settlements before the char- 
ter of Lord Baltimore was obtained. 

The charter of Maryland defined the western boundary 
by the meridian passing through the first fountain of the Po- 
tomac. Whether it meant the North or South branch is an 
open question to this day, and commissions were recentty ap- 
pointed by the Legislatures of several States now divided by 
this line, to determine questions coming from boundary un- 
certainties. 

Peno's policy always was, to issue no warrants for lands 
unless first obtaining titles from the Lidians. The Indians 
west of the Susquehanna were subject to the Five Nations. — 
Penn empowered Thomas Dougan, Governor of New York, 
to purchase of the Five Nations their right and interest in the 
lands west of the river. The purchase was made about 1688. 
Jan. 12th, 1696, Dougan leased for 1000 years all his right 
and title west of the river to VVm. Penn for 100 pounds ster- 
ling and a yearly rent of a "pepper corn." Jan. 13th, 1696, 
Thos. Dougan sold to Penn all lands from the mountains or 
head of said river, and running as far as the Chesapeake.— 
Penn was not satisfied but obtained a deed from the Susque- 
hannas, the originial, though defeated, owners of the soil. — 
The Connestoga Indians denied the right of the Susquehannas 
to sell the lands west of the river. Penn, always ready to 
settle any claims against lands he held, purchased a deed 
from the Connestoga Indians. The Five Nations still assert- 
ed a right to said land, and they sent their chiefs to a great 
Council held in the country of the Onondagoes, in the sum- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 21 

mer of 1736. A deed was signed Oct. 11th, 173G, hy eight 
Onondagoes, six Senekaes, four Oiieidas, two Tuscaroras, and 
throe Cayugas, conveying said lands to John, Thomas and 
Ricliard Penn. This inchided aU the Susquehanna River, 
eastward as far as the heads of tlic springs that run into said 
river ; west to the setting of the sun ; northward to the moun- 
tains called by the Nations Tyannantasacta, or Endless Hills, 
and 1)y the Delawares, Kekkachtananin Hills. 



"DIGGES' CHOICE." 

Tradition has preserved but few names of the (irst set- 
tlers through the Conewago Valley. History has done no 
better. Historical researches ahead of us there are none ; — 
no old papers or writings ; even the original deeds are not 
obtainable. In Father DeBarth's time, all the books and 
papers kept at Conewago were taken to Georgetown. 

The Father-General of the Society in Rome has a good 
record of the Jesuit labors in these provinces. Reports have 
been made up in this country from time to time, clothed in 
a Latin dress in presentable shape by order of the Provin- 
(nal, and forwarded to the head of the Society, Some day ! 

In early colonial times, land, like timber, was so plenty 
and so cheap that large tracts were given away for the small- 
est service or the least consideration. In 1722, on the west 
side of the Susquehanna, 75,000 acres were surveyed as the 
Manor of Springgettsl)nry, for the Proprietaries of Pennsyl- 
vania, with the intention of preventing the Maryland author- 
ities from encroaching upon lands thus claimed. Thomas 
Cresap, a Marylander, had a grant of 500 acres along the 
river, on which disgraceful scenes were enacted and great in- 
justice done. Penn always treated righteously with the In- 
dians, but Cresap burnt their villages and murdered the in- 



22 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Jiabitants, and acted no better with the white settlers who 
had crossed the river from the east. Cresap was from York- 
shire, and was only fifteen years old when he came to tlie 
Maryland Province. The Winthrops, the Penns, the Wash- 
ingtons and the Calverts, all came from Yorkshire, and we 
would not be surprised to find that Digges and Clayborne 
also came from there. " The Manor of Maske " was surve)-- 
ed for the use of the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, in 1740. 
It was six miles wide and twelve miles long, and was located 
in the western part of what is now Adams County, touching 
the Maryland line on the south. •' Carroll's Delight " was 
surveyed under Maryland authority, April 3d, 1732, patented 
Aug. 8th, 1735, to Charles, Mary and Eleanor Carroll. There 
were two " Tracts," containing 5,000 acres. Many difficulties 
arose froni these special reservations, and the conflictions in 
titles that they occasioned were felt down to the beginning of 
the present century. Li several instances the original set- 
tlers interfered with the surveyors and threatened their lives. 
For some reason, John Digges, a petty nobleman, obtained 
from the proprietor of Maryland a grant of 10,000 acres, Oct. 
14th, 1727. He had the privilege of taking up an}' unim- 
proved lands in the Province. For this grant, Digges paid 
184 pounds, 19 shillings, as pre-emption money, and a yearly 
rental of 13 pounds, 12 shillings, 11 pence, in silver or gold. 
In 1732, by the advice of an Indian Chief named Tom, Digges 
surveyed 6,822 acres lying on Tom's Creek, and called it 
" Digges' Choice." This tract took in all the beautiful Valley 
of the Conewago, on the Little Conewago and Plum Creeks, 
from the Pigeon Hill spurs to the springs that start these 
creeks. The original survey in 1732 crossed the Conewago 
and took in all the finest land adjoining on the west side. — 
Oct. 11th, 1732, the Maryland office issued to John Digges a 
patent for the land of his choice. 

When the Temporary Line was run in 1732, to serve as 
a- boundary until the border difficulties could be finally set- 
tled. Digges' land was decided to be in Pennsylvania ; but his 



CATHOLTC LOCAL HISTORY. 23 

title was good, on account of a Royal Order then issued, 
which declared that all titles previously obtained, 
should hold good, no matter on which side of the Temporary 
Line, nor by which Province granted. Among the settlers 
on " Digges' Choice," were David Young, Adam Miller, Adam 
Weisser, John Lemmon, 1732 ; they were the Kreaf?:-Kii'ch(; 
settlers, near Littlestown. and came from the east of the river. 

Andrew Schreiljer purchased 100 acres from Digges in 
1734, for which he paid one hundred pairs of negro shoes. — 
Henry Sell came in 1735 ; Martin Kitzmiller in 173G ; Adam 
Forney in 1737. Robert Owings, a Catholic and one of the 
lirst settlers with the Diggeses, surveyed and laid oil" land for 
Henry Sell and Martin Kitzmiller in 1730. On this land and 
about this time, Kitzmiller's mill was built. Before that the 
settlers had to go to the Sus({uehanna to have their wheat 
ground. 

Settlements were made from the east of the river as ear- 
ly as 1710, and by 1720 the Marylanders had pushed north- 
ward as far as the Codorus. From that time date the troub- 
les between the Maryland and Pennsylvania settlers, ended 
at last by the running of Mason k Dixon's line, 17C7. The 
claims of the Diggeses were never settled, but may be said to 
have died out. The land was too much mixed up in dispute 
to enforce them. The majority of the settlers acted honor- 
ably, as can be seen from the old deeds still preserved. Most 
of them held titles under Lord Baltimore (irst, and after the 
Temporary Line was run they secured titles from the Penns ; 
then they had a Right or Deed from John Digges or his sons, 
wliich carried with it a release from the Carrolls. It is easy 
to understand why the title and boundary disputes contin- 
ued so long in bitterness and confusi(m, and only a wonder 
that the difficulties were not more serious in their results. 

In November, 1743, Digges applied to the Pennsylvania 
Land-Office to take up as much land as would make his tract 
square. This was granted on condition that he should not 



24 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

disturb the German settlers, (3omplamts having repeatedly 
been made by them that he refused to mark his line, and was 
constantly changing the amount of his grant. When Digges 
returned he told the Germans that he had concluded an 
agreement with the Land Agent at Philadelphia, by which 
they would be compelled to give up their lands to him. This 
caused great excitement. Thomas Cookson, Surveyor of Lan- 
caster County, was sent by the Governor of Pennsylvania to 
adjust the difficulties, but accomplished little or nothing to- 
wards that end. Officers were sent from Maryland to make 
arrests, but the settlers resisted them and swords were drawn 
on both sides. May 10th, 1749, the settlers joined in a peti- 
tion to Governor Hamilton of Pennsylvania, setting forth that 
Digges demanded one hundred pounds for every one hun- 
dred acres of land they held under Pennsylvania titles. The 
killing of Dudley Digges quieted the excitement of both claim- 
ants and contestants more than anything else, and after that 
matters were more readily adjusted on both sides. In Feb., 
1752, in an altercation between a Maryland officer and his 
men and Martin Kitzmiller and his sons, at Kitzmiller's house, 
Dudley Digges was shot by one of Kitzmiller's sons ; whether 
accidentally or purposely, will never be known, but Kitzmiller 
was acquitted at the trial in Oct., when it was proven that 
the officer had no warrant and was in truth not even an of- 
ficer. Those engaged with the pretended officer, were Dud- 
ley and Henry Digges, sons of John Digges; John Stackers, 
Patrick Koyle, John Seyfert and Anthony Worley. The 
sentiment of the people was against Maryland interference, 
and in full sympathy and favor with Pennsylvania authority. 
This applies particularly to the Germans, as certain promises 
had induced the Irish to flesire them dispossessed of the land. 
John Digges was the father of Edward, William, Henry 
and Dudley Digges. William Digges, who came to the col- 
ony with Lord Baltimore and attended him in several of his 
meetings with Wm. Penn, was doubtless the ancestor of these 
Diggeses. John Digges lived with the Carrolls, and it was 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 25 

through them that he hrst come to settle the Conewago Val- 
ley. In or about 1800, some of the Diggeses still lived at St. 
Thomas, now in Charles County, and among the names that 
appear are Francis, Jane, John and Henry. Certainly John 
Digges and his family did not come alone to the Conewago 
Valley, but no other names come down to us. They were 
Catholics. Their association- and friendly acquaintance with 
tlie Indians show the work of the missionaries, and that where 
they worshiped, whether under the liumble roof of the settlers 
or in the rude wig-wam of the Indian, there the roaming 
Shawnee emigrant and the conquered braves of tlie northern 
tribes also bowed their knee. 

The remains of Dudley Digges are resting in the grave at 
Conewago. Not many years ago, John Aulebaugh, a citizen 
of McSherrystown, remembered having heard his grandfixther 
tell of the shooting of Dudlc}' Digges. He saw the wounded 
man, shot in the bowels, and attended his funeral. The sight 
and excitement he declared could never be eifaced from Iiis 
memory, and so it has come down to the present from father 
to son, through three generations. 

Another account of this unfortunate aHair, claims that 
Digges acted upon a process ol)tained from the Court at 
Frederick. No doubt he acted entii-ely in the defense of his 
rights and interest, and believed he was pursuing a lawful 
course in reclaiming his property. Circumstances were 
against him. When the proprietors of Maryland failed to es- 
tablish their claim to tlie land, how could the Diggeses expect 
to succeed. The shooting occurred on the farm now called 
"Carrollton," lately occupied and owned by Francis A. Uhl. 
The place became a noted hostelry on the great wagon road 
from Philadelphia to Fi-ederick. 

Digges' widow and two children remained in Conewago 
(then Heidelberg) township, about a mile and a half south of 
McSherrystown, lor several years after his death, when they 
removed to Frederick City, where the widow had a sister, and 
where she died in 1812. Her maiden name was Mary Lill}^ 



26 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

a daughter of the first Lilly that emigrated to these parts, the 
ancestor of the present Conewago Lillys, whose name was 
Samuel, and who, in 1730, located on the old Lill}' farm, above 
Lilly's Mill, now owned by one of his great-great-grand-sons — 
and that has been in the family ever since, and where a woolen 
factory was carried on from about 1730 until about 1830, as 
many of the " oldest inhabitants " will recollect. 



THE CONEWAGO VALLEY. 

The Conewago Valley of one hundred and fifty years 
ago, was a dense forest of oak and hickory that covered the 
broad plain, and along the banks of the creeks grew the more 
valuable wood and beautiful trees, — the ash, poplar, walnut, 
water beach, s3^camore and willow. Not many years ago, the 
stately trunks of some of the veterans of the forests stood 
alon'g Slagle's Run and the Conewago and Plum Creeks, sad 
and lonely reminders of the days when they were kings of the 
forests. Some of them measured over three feet across the 
stump. The Conewago Valley of to-day ! — look over it : 
Follow the narrow strip of woodland from north to south ; 
that marks the course of the Little Conewago : off to the west, 
over hills and valleys, the South Mountains limit the view, 
running south across the Potomac and the Shenandoah, north 
and east across the Susquehanna, the Schuylkill and the Del- 
aware. In the south and the east the valley broadens out 
along the shadowy woodlands of my Maryland. Right at 
your back rise the blue tops of the Pigeon Hills, that before 
long, alas ! will l)e cleared of the heavy chestnut growth which 
is struggling to get upward. What else ? Nothing but broad 
fields of waving grain ; large barns and houses, (barns 
Ijefore houses with the sturdy sons of toil,) beautiful homes 
and gardens,- — thriving towns and villages in every direction. 
Everything easy, quiet and peaceful. May nothing ever mar 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 27 

its beauty or blight its happiness. 

Hanover is the central point, on the Frederick Division 
P. R. W., the Hanover k Baltimore and TLmover k Gettys- 
burg Railroads ; 42 miles from Frederick, about 50 from ]>al~ 
timore and twice that distance from Philadelphia ; lat. 39" 4G' 
north, long. 148° west of Greenwich. Conewago Chapel is 4 
miles west of Hanover, in Conewago Township, Adams Co., 
Pa.; about 10 miles from Gettysburg, the county seat; 7 
miles from Littlestown, 4 from New Oxford, about 22 from 
York, 80 from Washington, 110 from Philadelphia; in lat. 
about 39" 45' north, long. 0° 0' 3" west from Washington. — 
The Post-Office address is McSherrystowu, Adams Co., Pa. 

It is said that all the early attempts at Catholic coloni- 
zation in these Provinces have been failures. How Conewago 
could have been more successful as a Catholic settlement, we 
cannot easily understand. Conewago Chapel is the parent 
church from which the Catholic religion spread over southern 
and western Maryland into Virginia, along the frontiers of 
Pennsylvania, into the very -heart of its settlement, Philadel- 
phia itself The churches at Hanover, Littlestown, Taney- 
town, Bonneauville, Gettysburg, Millerstown, The Mountain, 
Carlisle, Harrisburg, York, Paradise and New Oxford, are all 
fruits of the Conewago Missionary labors. The early Catho- 
lics, scattered within the bounds of these outlying missions, 
once looked to Conewago for all the spiritual aid they ever 
received. The missionaries in their long journe}- ov^er the 
country, kept no account of their labors, and all that has 
come down to us are a few scraps of paper, where a child was 
baptized in the Path or Cove Valleys, a death-bed attended 
along the South Mountains, or a sick-call here or there, — 
twenty, thirty miles away. Take the large and flourishing 
congregations at all these places, their well-built churches 
and schools, and houses, — take the credit of all these away 
from Conewago, and yet there is left a successful Catholic 
colony of five thousand souls ; a fine, large and well-finished 
church, — Conewago Chapel ; six hundred acres of the l)est 



28 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

land in the valley, school houses and chapels at evoiy little 
surrounding village ; and a large and well-established Convent 
School and Sisterhood at McSherrystown. 

Conewago is a thoroughly Catholic settlement. From 
Hanover to Gettysburg, sixteen miles east to west, half of the 
l^opulation is Catholic ; from Oxford to Littlestown, ten miles 
north to south, two-thirds of the population is Catholic. You 
can travel five miles along any road within that distance 
from the Chapel, and meet almost nothing but Catholics. — 
There are Protestant families scattered all through the val- 
ley, but they do not make up one-tenth of its population. — 
Though not belonging to our church, we have come to con- 
sider them very near and dear to the household of faith. All 
live agreeably together, associating and assisting each other 
as citizens, and takhig part in every enterprise that concerns 
home or church. The few Protestants in the valley have al- 
ways been good and liberal neighbors to the Catholic Church. 
Mixed marriages, you ask? are rare occurrences undei' these 
circumstances. Catholic teachings and associations are strong, 
thanks to the watchful Fathers of the church and the good 
Catliolic mothers of the valley. Conewago has lieen free 
from all dire afflictions of Providence, and spared from all 
shame and disgrace into which human nature is so apt to fall. 
Not to say that none have fallen ; no, but tliey have been 
quietl}^ helped to rise again ; and this we say, that in all the 
history of the valley, memory can point to no serious reflec- 
tion on priest or people ; no difference or disagreement in any 
work of the church. Her record is fair and pure. People 
who have always lived here do not rightly appreciate the 
blessings of a Catholic connnunity. It is easier to be a Cath- 
olic here than in the mixed and busy push of the towns and 
cities. Yet look at the work the struggling Catholics accom- 
plish alone in those places, — build churches, support priests 
and schools and contribute to every cause of religion. They 
have no rich establishments of any order or society to build 
upon. The poor are everywhere the brightest oi-naments of 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 29 

the church. So at Cone vv ago. 

We need not transport ourselves with He la Martine 
[HarmonUs Podiqucfi) to the neighborhood of some church in 
the Middle Ages, to " see the humble crowd winding its way 
along the pious path. It is the poor orphan who spins as she 
walks ; it is the blind man who feels his way with his stick ; 
it is the timid beggar whose hand holds a rosary ; it is the 
child who caresses each flower as he j)asses hy ; it is the old 
man who hastens with feeble steps ; — youth and age are the 
friends of God." 

In Catholic times and Catholic countries, of which Cone- 
wago reminds us so much, one of the greatest virtues practic- 
ed was the education of the poor and an etTort to start them 
in life. The Catholic wealth of Conewago presents not one 
such instance. The priests and the people had an anxious 
care for the poor — never a care the rich. Could oidy the 
widow and the orphan speak. 

As a farming country, the Conewago Valley is one of 
the richest in the State. The soil is the best quality of lime- 
stone land, and very productive. There is a perfect sj'stem 
in agriculture, and hardly a foot of ground that has not been 
reclaimed and put to use. The land tenure is hereditary, and 
there is little of that great desire for change which has scat- 
tered Pennsylvanians over every State in the Union. The 
first Conewago settlers are represented to-day by an industri- 
ous and well-to-do people, many of them on the same lands 
which their forefathers took up. Times, and customs, how- 
ever, are changing now. The restless, worldlj' spirit of pro- 
gress and novelty has entered the precincts of this old-time 
retirement. The young people have caught the spirit of the 
age — that freedom of parental restraint mdvnown to their 
fathers and mothers, and show an unwillingness to follow the 
safe and steady paths which have led the generations before 
them to j)eaceful homes and plent}^, and to old age crowned 
with humble but virtuous and useful lives. Who can tell 
what will be the result ? The good old missionary Fathers, 



30 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

so suited to the times and the people, are also gone. True, 
we have good priests of modern education and American 
ways, and perhaps it is better that everything moves with the 
times. 

One thing is certain, if the future Conewago remembers 
her God and her religion as faithfully as did the Conewago 
of the past, there is no danger, whatever may happen. The 
history of the church has shown that she is equal to any 
emergency, and suits herself to the changes of time and cus- 
tom, to the revolution of governments, of nations and of ages. 
She goes on forever, and in her there is no change or shadow 
of vicissitude. 

It is hard enough for those who belong to the past, and 
are used to the ways of ye olden times, to reconcile themselves 
with the changes of the quickly-passing years. They may 
well weep with Schiller over the times gone by, and sigh for 
the days of peace, the homes of their fathers, and the elysian 
scenes of their childhood. How they call upon Nature to 
mourn with them for the scenes that will never come again, 
and with their balmy sighing cool no burning brow ; — "they 
are gone ! gone ! and may not return." 

... / 



EARLY HISTORY OF CONEWAGO. 



There is nothing striking or very prominent in the whole 
liistory of the Conewago Valley. Entirely an agricultural 
country, its history is one of hard labor, economy, peace and 
plenty ; and that is record enough for a plain, virtuous and 
law-abiding people. They have tried to follow the illustrious 
example of their leaders, the Jesuits, whose greatest deeds 
are only recorded in Heaven. Patriotism was never wanting 
in the valley. The colonial records and the archives of the 
State show that old Heidelberg contributed as much or more 
than any of the other original townships, when called upon 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 31 

in time of need. It supplied men and aid in the French and 
Indian wars, the Revohition, 1812-14, the Mexican war and 
the " late unpleasantness " as we call it further South, but 
known here as the Ilebellion. / 

The first claim on the land was held by the Garrolls, 
from Lord Baltimore. The Garrolls were an Irish familj^ 
and the elder Carroll was Secretary to Lord Powis, a leading 
minister in the cabinet of James 11. This minister, forseeing 
troublesome times ahead, and having a great regard for the 
success and welfare of his Secretary, advised him to go out 
into the Maryland colony. Daniel Carroll with his lather 
came to America in 1080, acted as agent lor Lord Baltimore 
and obtained large grants of land. Charles Carroll, Sr., was 
born in 1702 ; Charles, Jr., surnamed of CarroUton, in 1737. 
The "Releases" of the Carrolls to the lands in the Cone- 
wago Valley extend from the first settlements to the Revolu- 
tion. They amounted to a mere form, for security's sake on 
account of the title troubles, as there is no record of any 
payments except the mention of certain ground rents includ- 
ed in the first sales of land, which probably originated with 
the Carrolls, descended to the Diggeses and became extinct 
in the McSherrys. 

There must be some reason for the peaceful attitude oi" 
the Indians towards the Conewago settlers. In the western 
part of the county and northward, buildings were burned by 
them, children abducted and the settlers murdered. There 
is not a single instance of wrong by them in the Conewago 
Valle}'-, except where in a state of intoxication they assaulted 
the family of Adam Forney near Hanover. There is no tra- 
ditional evidence that they were feared by the people, b}' 
whom it seems they were regarded as friends. True, the 
western borders formed a barrier against Indian raids, and 
the people from the frontier settlements, in times of threaten- 
ed danger from the Indians, would flee for safety almost this 
fjir into the interior. There certainly were Indians through 
the valley, for there are evidences to this day of their camps 



32 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

or villages on several places around Conewago. On account 
of the labors of the Maryland missionaries among the Indians, 
they may be looked upon as a part of the early settlers, 
traveling together in their explorations and living together in 
their settlements. There are several traditional stories handed 
down of the " last Indians " seen, coming to a house here or 
there for food, or to a blacksmith shop to have a lame horse 
or pony shod, and going off into the Pigeon Hills for coal 
when the blacksmith was out ; but whether true or not, we 
will not say. They left here like everywhere else, pushed 
away by the advance of civilization, the destruction of their 
forests, and the absence of game, for even then bears and 
deer began to keep closer to the mountains. Poor Indians ! 
the last remnant of them is crowded to the ocean's wall, and 
there seems to be no more room left. 

The early settlement of the Conewago Valley does not 
differ much from that of the other parts of the State. The 
people coming from the older settlements of Maryland might 
have been a little better provided for than the poorer emi- 
grants from the German Palatinates, the expatriated Irish 
and poor " redemptioners." A few of the better class were 
able to build substantial stone houses that stood for a hun- 
dred years and more, but the most of them built very com- 
mon log houses. The settlement almost from the beginning- 
was made up not only of farmers but of different kinds of 
mechanics. A little later, carpet weaving, spinning, woolen 
and flax industries, were very generally followed. For over 
a hundred years, wagoning was the great means by which 
trade was carried on. Grain and flour were taken to Pitts- 
burg, Baltimore and Philadelphia, and store goods and what- 
ever else was needed, brought back. In the joroper season, 
shad and other flsh in large quantities were hauled from the 
fisheries along the Susquehanna. Many a priest and student 
rode to and from Conewago, Baltimore, Washington and other 
points, with these old teamsters. Conewago was well situated 
with regard to the earlv modes and routes of travel. The 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 33 

wagon road from Wright's Ferry, on the Susquehanna, to the 
Monocacy road at the Maryland hne, passed through the val- 
ley. The wagon and stage roads from Philadelphia to Fred- 
erick and from Carlisle to Baltimore, crossed each other where 
Hanover now stands, the first house ot which was McAllister's 
tavern, part of it standing yet, built up in modern walls. 

The country around Hanover was entirely a German set- 
tlement, while the Conewago settlement was considered Irish, 
and many a good old time the two elements had together. — 
At the first election for York County held at York Town, 
McAllister was the candidate of the Germans for Sheriff, and 
Hance Hamilton led tiie Irisli. There was a general fight ; 
the Irish were routed and driven from the polls, but their 
candidate was commissioned by the Governor. For many 
years a jealous spirit of riv^alry existed between the two settle- 
ments ; which, perhaps, was good for their growth and success. 
The upper part of what is now Adams County was settled by 
the Scotch-Irish, between 1736 and 1740. The Conewago 
Valley was settled by a few English families from the Prov- 
ince of Lord Baltimore, somewhere between 1700 and 1725, 
as there were births and deaths between these periods. Then 
the Irish and Germans came in about equal numbers, and 
scattered together from the " barrens " all through the valley, 
and westward, as one of the principal directions emigration 
took to Pittsburg and the western settlements, was from Con- 
ewago. English and German sermons alternated at Cone- 
wago up to 1800 ; after that English took the lead. Ger- 
man sermons might have averaged one a month to 1850. — 
Fathers Enders, Deneckere and Manns preached in German 
once in a while after that ; now German is not heard, except 
for a special purpose. The first English sermons were preach- 
ed in the Protestant churches of Hanover in 1837. The first 
English papers in Hanover and Gettysburg were started 
about 1818. The first German paper was started in Han- 
over in 1769, and a German paper is still published there. 



U CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

THE CONEAVAGO i?FT™s INDIANS. 



The name " Conevvago " is the last connecting hnk be- 
tween the aborigines of the valley and their successors, the 
present American people. With them it will continue, and 
may even exist after their identity shall have been obscured 
or lost in the deepening shadows of antiquity. Like all other 
foreign names and words, Conevvago had to shape itself to 
English use, a tendency which carried everything in its way. 
Later in the history of the language, "young America" be- 
came afflicted with such a mania for anglicism, that the names 
of their fathers full of memory and meaning were ruthlessly 
despoiled in making them assume an English garb that fits in 
nothing but the ridiculous. The Conewago missionaries were 
of dilferent nationalities, but the Latin tongue was to them a 
common language. Thus the English Conewago comes down 
to us from the Latin, and not direct from the Indian term. — 
In handling the German names in Latin, the missionaries 
made some anuising changes. The German names are mostly 
derived from solid words in that language, which sound all 
right when translated into English, but in writing them in 
Latin according to sound, they lose all significance and trace 
of origin. The German Koontz is given the Latin Cin Cunes 
and the English hn in Kuhns. Thus we could note man 3^ simi- 
lar changes had we tlie time to follow them up. 

The Indian word " Caughnawaga " is said to mean "the 
rapids'." The Germans pronounced it " Konowago ;"the Eng- 
lish and Irish, " Caiiawaga." The missionaries wrote it Con- 
ewago as early as 1740, placing it in the third declension. — 
According!}', those who persist in using "Cono," follow the 
(jerman derivation. Conewago is the correct wa}^ as applied 
to the Chapel or the Creek ; when meaning the township, it 
may be claimed that the rules of law by which it was formed 
have it "Cono," which is immaterial, as the name has l)ut one 
orio'in. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 35 

As a definition of the word " Caughnawaga," " the rapidy " 
was certainlj^ not applied originally to the streams of that 
name in southei-n Pennsylvania. The Big Conewago drains 
the slope east of the Blue Ridge and flows into the Sus([uc- 
hanna. The Little Conewago winds through the lower valley 
and empties into the Big Conewago. It rises about on the 
dividing line between the Susquehanna and Potomac drains. 
Except wlien swollen by heavy rain or melting snow, neither 
of these creeks can be called swift or rapid. Since the Cone- 
wago Valley has been stripped of its forests, the Little Cone- 
wago is narrowing its banks into a mere stream, and tlie mills 
along its course have parted with the old-fashioned water 
wheels and put in turl)ines. 

The original " Caughnawaga '" of the Indians was a tri- 
Itutary of the St. Lawrence. There were no native tribes in 
this part of Pennsylvania ; — only roving bands from the great 
branches of the Indian lamilies along the bays, rivers and 
mountains. The number of Indians in the Provinces was not 
as great as many su})pose. The Sliawnees were a '' restless 
nation of wanderers," who inhabited the region of Kentucky. 
By permission from the Pennsylvania authorities in 1G98, 
some of them came from Carolina and settled in Pennsylvania. 
When in 1732 the number of Indian tighthig men was esti- 
mated at 700, half of them were Shawnee emigrants. " So 
desolate was the wilderness," says Bancroft, " that a vagabond 
tribe could wander undisturljed from Cumberland River To 
the Alabama, from the headwaters of the Santee to the Sus- 
quehanna." From the heart of the Five Nations two war- 
riors would thread the wilderness ()f the South; would go 
through the glades of Pennsylvania, the valleys of Western 
Virginia, and steal within the mountain fastnesses of the Chero- 
kees, and after securing scalps enough to surprise their native 
village, bound over the ledges and hurry home. 

If it is true, that " a pious rivalry " existed between the 
Maryland nussionaries and those oi'the St. Ijawrence, as the 
great American historian says there did, there nmst have 



3G CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

been some means of communication. This could only come 
through the Fathers in the old country, or by means of wan- 
dering bands of Indians. St. Mary's was the starting point of 
the Maryland missionaries ; Caughnawaga the " chief mission " 
of the St. Lawrence Jesuits. It was a Mohawk village on the 
Caughnawaga Creek, into which the Indians cast the body of 
Father Jogues, after murdering him, in 1646. Goupil and 
Lelande met a similar fate at Caughnawaga. When the Sus- 
quehannas poured down upon the missionary settlements in 
Maryland, Father Jogues received word at Caughnawaga that 
one of the Jesuit Fathers " had fallen amid his neophytes." — 
" At Caughnawaga the faith was more constantly embraced 
than in any other part of the Mohawk country," and here, say 
the missionaries, we first saw a native church and christian 
generosity displayed. jFrom 1673, prayers were said at this 
mission as regularly as m any christian community in Europe. 
Fathers Bonaface and De Lamberville labored at Caughnawa- 
ga. Catharine Tegahkouita, a pious and saintly Indian maid- 
en, was born there ; and the noted chief, Tagannissoren, con- 
verted. His oratory was compared to that of Cicero by 
English writers, and the king of France hung his portrait in 
the galleries of Versailles. | 

The Maryland Indians consisted of branches of the great 
Huron-Iroquois family. The Susquehannas were the most 
powerful, and among them the Catholic missionaries began 
their labors. The Five Nations, a powerful northern confed- 
eration, had conquered almost all the surrounding tribes of 
Indians. The Indians in Pennsylvania were all subject to the 
Five Nations. They seem to have been fugitives, having no 
settlement of their own, but loving their wild freedom, sought 
to keep out of the way of the more powerful and warlike 
tribes. The St. Lawrence Indians were engaged in many in- 
cursions into the country of these roving bands, and the 
prisoners they brought in were instructed by the mission- 
aries and every eftbrt made to save their lives. When the 
Senecas and Ottawas were at war, Father F'remin instructed 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 37 

iiiid baptized the prisoners brought in to die. Conestogues 
were frequently burned, and alwaj^s instructed and bnptized. 
They were called Gandestogues by the French, or Andastes, 
and were in all probability the Susquehannas. Father Fre- 
min found some who were instructed in Catholic doctrine, 
and Shea thinks they might have been objects of the care of 
the Jesuits in Maryland. The Indian missions were from 
time to time broken up by the ceaseless warfare among the 
tribes. The Caughnawagas were subject to the Five Nations, 
and the mission has almost a continuous history, down to the 
present Sault St. Louis. Being thoroughly Catholic, (except 
in their murderous wars which will forever cling to them,) if 
there ever was any communication between the missionaries, 
it was through the Caughnawaga or Susquehanna Indians. — 
It might have been in this way that at an early day they 
found their way along these creeks into the Maryland mis- 
sions, and left their name to the valley. Future researches 
in the line of the St. Lawrence missions, and the older Cath- 
olic settlements of Maryland,— St. Mary's, St. Inigoes, St. 
Thomas Manor, jVewtown, Port Tobacco, " Hickory " in Har- 
fort County, — will throw additional light upon the Caughna- 
wa2;a of the Indians. 



THE FIRST PLACE OF WORSHIP. 



The course of new settlements is everywhere and at all 
times the same. First a few pioneer families build their 
humble homes and lay the foundation for others to follow. — 
Then arises the demand for business and professions, churches 
and schools. The local history of the Catholic church invari- 
ably finds the priest saying mass in a room of some of the few 
Catholic families, whose spiritual wants bring him among 
them. Thus was the Catholic religion introduced into the 



38 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Conewago Valley. The present Conewago Chapel stands on 
high ground, on one of the many little spurs that follow the 
Blue Ridge range, ot which the Pigeon Hills is the largest, 
and the last to the eastward from the mountains, about two 
miles from the chapel. Beyond that the " barrens " set in, 
extending southward with the valley into Maryland. Similar 
hills, valleys and lowlands are found across the river in Lan- 
caster County. The Little Conewago and the Plum Creek 
come together along the foot of the hill on which Conewago 
Chapel is built, the former from a direction due South, the 
latter a little to the East. The meadow land along these 
streams was grown up with dense underbrush and trees, and 
received its name from the man who farmed the church land, 
known from 1830 as " Will's Bottom," and now as " Devine's." 
The land had been cleared and cultivated under Father De- 
Barth, but suffered to go to waste again after him, until Father 
Enders had it giv^en out to be cleared, drained and farmed. 
The present site of Conewxigo Chapel has been used for church 
purposes since 1740. This valley is the oldest settlement in 
the county, and here also is the oldest place of religious wor- 
ship. The first Kreutz Church settlers, near Littlestown, came 
in 1734, and organized their church in 1747. The Marsh 
Creek and Great Conewago Churches date from 1740; the 
Bermudian Churches from 1747, and Christ Church, Hunting- 
ton, from about 1750. 

Settlers from Lord Baltimore's Province pushed north- 
ward through Baltimore County, and reached the Codorus 
almost as earl}' as 1700. Rupp's researches through these 
parts of Pennsylvania, Glossbrenner & Carter's History of 
York County, Smith's Annals of Hanover and History of York 
County, all give from 1710 to 1720 as the time when this 
valley, the barrens and the land along the Codorus to the 
river, were settled by the Marylanders. Many of the Mary- 
land settlers were Catholics, while the most of those who 
came into the valley from the East of the river, before 1750, 
were Protestants. They settled the surrounding country, and 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 31) 

the laut that only a few Protestant ftimiUes secured land in 
the Conewago settlement would go to show earlier Catholic 
claims. Pigges' grant of 1727 was given conditionally, for 
vacant land only, and improved html was particularly except- 
ed. This he plainly disregarded, since from the moment lie 
attempted to locate his choice in the valley, he was met with 
opposition ; and that must have come from those who had 
previously located there, though they may have had no right 
from either Province, until Pigges' eflbrt to take their land 
made them apply to the Maryland or Pennsylvania propi'ie- 
taries for patents, and appeal to both for protection of their 
claims. That part of Pigges' Choice to the west of the Little 
Conewago, was left out of his re-survey without an effort to 
enforce his claim, and his strongest efforts in the contest were 
made for the lands larther soutii, near the disputed boundary 
line ; so that he left Conewago undisturbed, probably because 
"the improvements" had gone too far before his grant was 
taken up. Patrick McSherry had a large tract of land, cov- 
ering all the ground around McSherrystown, and taking in 
the present lands owned or occupied by Sunday, Geisleman, 
McSherry and Croninger. lie had a title from the Piggeses, 
but he also had patents from both Provinces and a release 
from the Carrolls. The earliest Protestant families adjoining 
the Chapel, were the Schreivers and the Slagles. Ludwig 
Schreiver held the land immediately to the west of the Cone- 
wago settlement proper, under Lord Baltimore's patent dated 
November, 1735. He built a mill near where O'Bold's now 
stands. The McCrearys at a later date were Protestant 
neighbors, John and Pavid purchasing four tracts from Pat- 
rick and Catharine McSherry, March 15th, 1795, now adjoin- 
ing the O'Bold mill property on the west. Christopher Slagle 
settled in Berwick Township, on Slagle's Run, adjoining the 
Chapel land on the north, in 1737. Slagle's Run must have 
been the dividing line between Berwick, Heidelberg and Man- 
heim Townships. Henry Slagle, one of his sons, was a very 
prominent and useful man, occupying public positions until his 



40 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

death about 1802. Tlie Slagles were farmers, millers and 
carpenters. One of the Slagles built Conewago Chapel in 
1786-7, and when the church was enlarged in 1850. he used 
to come and watch the work, too old to do an3^thing, while 
one of his sons was working there at the trade, to the best of 
our information as the contractor. Many of the old deeds in 
the valley are in the hand-writing of Henry Slagle. He nuist 
have been very popular with the Catholics, as the many offi- 
ces he held attest. Another Protestant family adjoining the 
church more to the east, was the Keagys. Jacob Keagy set- 
tled on part of the Manor of Maske in 1752. The land in the 
possession of these older Protestant families, like that of the 
Catholics, hardly ever went out of their hands. These Pro- 
testants among a few others whose names have not come down 
to us, were good neighbors to the church, and when a little 
after the Revolution the present large stone building was 
erected, they gave their teams and lent their aid in what was 
then an important undertaking. These actions show their 
good will towards us, and we make this in acknowledgment 
of our respect for them. 

We cannot trace all the early Catholic settlers. Many 
of their families have long since died out ; and others were 
among the emigrants that drifted westward with the ever- 
flowing tide from here. Their descendants can be found to 
this day along the mountains and through the valleys of west- 
ern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. They were the 
Catholic pioneers of those places. By 1730, there must have 
been twenty-five Catholic families scattered through this part 
of the Provinces. The records on the oldest tombstones part- 
ly preserved, show births as early as 1696 and the earliest 
death in 1725. They may have belonged to the older Marj^- 
land settlements. 

Just as difficult is it to trace the first missionary labors 
in this mission. It is the gate which opened the route of 
travel for the missionaries into Pennsylvania, between Mary- 
land and New York. There is a vague tradition, with hardly 



CATHOLIC LOCAL I1I8T0RY. 41 

ground enough to record it, that the Jesuits were not the first 
priests to penetrate the forests of soutliern Pennsylvania. — 
The Franciscans, at an early period, and for a short time, had 
charge of the Maryland missions. The Recollects were witli 
the French on the western frontier, but hardly earl3^ enougli 
to antedate the Jesuits. The earliest missionary labor was 
among the Indians. Through here, on into Maryland, the 
Indians were more oi- less connected with the northern tribes 
among which the Jesuits were most successful at a very early 
date. Conewago was within twenty-five and fifty miles of 
some of the oldest Maryland missions ; and the Indians tlu-ough 
liere being wandering subjects to other nations, probably hav- 
ing some knowledge and instruction from the St. Lawrence 
missions, the Maryland missionaries were almost sure to find 
their way among them. This valley is on the direct route 
Ijetween Maryland, Philadelphia and the north. The earliest 
connection and communication came through here. 

The accounts of the early missionary labors in the Prov- 
inces are very meagre. We do not know what may be jjre- 
served in the arcliives of the Society of Jesus. 

Upon the best authority it may be stated that the Fran- 
ciscans, Revs. Polycar]) Wicksted and James Haddock, did 
some missionary work through Pennsylvania and Maryland. 
The Franciscans were sent into Maryland by the Propaganda, 
but abandoned the mission about 1G73-5. Rev. Basil Ilobard 
died in Maryland in 1008, and Rev. James Haddock labored 
there as early as 1700, and died before 1720. 

The Jesuits, Revs. Thos. Harvey, Henry Harrison and 
Charles Cage were in New York before 1700. Rev. Thos. 
Ilarve}^ was in Maryland in 1G93, and died there in 1711), 
aged 84. Martin I. J. Griffin, Esq., who is so successfully 
rescuing the Catholic history of Philadelphia from oblivion, 
believes that Thos. Harvey is the priest spoken of in TJic lie- 
cords of the Society of Jesus, (by Henry Foley, S. J., Vol. III., 
p. 354,) as ha\ing " f raveled on foot " from new York to Mary- 
land, after the suppression of Catholics in New York in 1G90. 



42 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Li the will of Peter Debuc, who died in Philadelphia in 
1G93, there is a bequest of fifty pounds to " Father Smith, 
now or late of Talbot Co., Md," It is the belief of several 
Catholic writers that " Father Smith " was no other than Rev. 
Henry Harrison. In the early history of this country, priests 
were often compelled to travel under assumed names and in 
various disguises. 

It has been asserted that Mass was celebrated in Phila- 
delphia before 1700, but Mr. Griffin has made close research 
and does not repeat the claim. Mass was celebrated there as 
early as 1708, probably by one of the fathers we have just 
mentioned. 

The records of the English Province of the Society of 
Jesus say that Catholicity was introduced into Pennsylvania 
" about the year 1720," by Rev. F. Greaton and others. This 
declaration is repeated in two places in the Laity's Directory 
for 1822. Father Greaton was born in 1680, entered the 
Society of Jesus July 6th, 1708 ; was ordained and came into 
the Province of Maryland in 1719. His starting point most 
likely was old St. Inigoes. Rev. Thos. Harvey died in Mary- 
land in 1719, and probably Father Greaton took up the work 
where he left off. He built the first church in Philadelphia 
in 1732, and labored there until 1750, being Superior of the 
Missions in Pennsylvania and Maryland, which were associat- 
ed together. In 1750 he was recalled to Maryland, and died 
at Bohemia in 1752 or 1753. 

If Catholicity was introduced into Pennsylvania about 
1720, Conewago was the place. Besides the Indians who 
were friendly to the Catholics, there were births, deaths and 
marriages among Catholics in this settlement between 1720 
and 1730. If there was a priest in the country he was here. 

Many people place little confidence in tradition, but have 
we not our faith from tradition, as Jesus taught and the 
Apostles preached ? 

Samuel Lilly landed at Chester before 1730, and in that 
year removed to Conewago where he had heard the Jesuits 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 43 

liad a settleinont lor some time. There was no church or 
priest at Chester, and for that i-eason he came to Conevvago, 
where there were Cathohcs and where he could practice his 
religion. He was born in 1 GOO." died in 17-58, and is buried 
in the family lot in Conewago Cemetery. Miss Sally Lilly, 
born HI 1800, and living yet, is one of his descendants. Be- 
sides her memory, which is clear and distinct, there is a record 
of the Lilly family preserved, so that we are not depending 
upon tradition to establish the fact that the Jesuits had " a 
settlement" here before 1730. 

As an example of what tradition says upon this question, 
we take the testimony of Peter Smith, Esq., which we regard 
as equally important with the Lilly evidence. Peter Smith 
was a descendant of the earliest German settlers, — a very in- 
telligent gentleman, a pious and practical Catholic and good 
citizen. He was born in 1794; died April 9th, 1884. He 
was baptized by Father Pellentz, and enjoyed a personal ac- 
quaintance and friendship with Fathers Gallitzin, He Barth 
and Lekeu. One of his daughters, Anastasia, is Sister I)e 
Sales, of St. Joseph's. McSherrystown. His earliest recollec- 
tion was hearing it said that Father Josiah Creighton passed 
tlirough the Conewago settlement in 1720, on his way to 
Philadelphia, dressed like a Quaker. Such intelligence could 
not have been derived from books, but is one of those tradi- 
tional reminiscences repeated from time to time, and as a 
fragment of the past, is handed down through the centuries. 
It will outlast this print itself. 

Among those who came to the settlement with the Dig- 
geses, was Robert Owings, a surveyor. He was born in 1G92 
and died in 1759. He had a grant of five hundred acres, call- 
ed Bear Garden, by letters patent, dated Oct. 8th, 1733, from 
" The Right Honourable, Charles, Lord Baron of Baltimore, 
and Avalon," &c,, " under the great seal of said Province." — 
This tract bordered on Slagle's Run and the Little Conewago, 
and extended eastward, now three farms in possession of the 
Sneeringers. In the centre of the tract, on a slight elevation, 



44 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

was the colonial homestead of Robert Owings, Esq. It is a 
sacred place. There the first Mass was said, religious instruc- 
tion given, and the rites of the church performed. In a Cath- 
olic Province and a Catholic settlement. Catholics thus escap- 
ed the severity of the existing penal laws. There also was the 
first burying ground. It continued to be used for church 
purposes until the log church was built in 1740 or 1741, a 
quarter of a mile southward, on a higher elevation, now oc- 
cupied by the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. We never look 
over this sacred ground, hallowed by ages and consecrated 
by memory and associations, without being almost moved to 
tears. When the ancient forests yet covered the present site 
of Conewago Chapel, the Holy Sacrifice was being offered on 
this sacred spot, and the Red Man there stood in awe and ad- 
miration of ceremonies more solemn than he had ever seen 
m his own native solitude. A mysterious holiness surrounds 
the place. Nobility itself may there await the call of tlie 
great King of the L^niverse, and consecrated hands there Ijc 
folded away in the dust of ages. 

Rest in peace, Indian Warrior ! hidden foe never more 
will seek thee ; thy warfare over, thy forests gone, th}" sons 
no more,- — no trace of chief or brave is left ! 

Eternal rest, poor pilgrim you ! No father's dust is min- 
gled with your own ; no aged mother shnnbers by your lonely 
side ; far off your native land — dim its sacred memory, — lost, 
unknown, forgotten, where old ocean rolls along the sands of 
Time ! sweetly sleep, your work is done, yom^ fields are 
green. — in peace your homes are blessed, and happy children 
play where first to its mother's breast your darling babe was 
pressed, and fondly lisped your own — a dear father's name ! 

faithful shepherd, reign thou forever with the Keeper 
of the ransomed fold ; joys divine be ever thine ; heavenly 
peace and rest where no lambs stray and dangers threaten 
not the flock. Long since thy sheep were found, were 
sheltered, saved ! Upon us, weary wanderers, look down ! re- 
member ! pray ! 



CATITOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 45 

THE LOG CHURCH BUILT. 

Feather (jrroatoii was Superior of the Missions in Penn- 
sylvania until 1750, with throe Fathers assisting him. Eev. 
Robert Harding. S. J., came to this county in 1732, and 
labored through Maryland and Pennsylvania, and succeeded 
Father Greaton. Rev. Henry Neale, 8. J., was one of Father 
Greaton's assistants, djdng at St. Joseph's, Philadelphia, in 
1748. Up to 1740, Conewago was not regularly visited l)}- 
an}' priest, but from time to time by the several priests on 
the missions in both Provinces. When the (rermans settled 
the valley around Littlestown in 1734 and 173-5, they passed 
a "Mass-house" near a dense swaojp, through which they 
made their way, and where their tracks could be seen long 
afterwards. Rev. John Ault, a late pastor of the Kreutz- 
Kirche congregation, wrote a full history of that settlement, 
in which he says that the Irish were not pleased because the 
Germans settled so near them in the valley. This feeling 
between the two elements in the valley did not come from 
religion or nationality, but arose from Uigges' trouble willi 
the settlers regarding the titles to their land. 

At what time and under whom Conewago first became 
a Maryland mission, cannot be ascertained until the history 
of the older Maryland missions is written. According to 
wliat little knowledge we have of these, it is safe to say that 
Conewago was attended about once a month from a ])lace in 
Harford County, Md., no^v or latel}' called " Hickory.'' How 
long such attendance dates before 1740, wo arc unable to 
say. If the Jesuits had any grant of land from Ijord Balti- 
more, as is the common belief, it was made to these mission- 
aries through their Supoi'ior. Wo would rather think that 
the first grant of land at Conewago was made through the 
Carrolls ; that the greater portion was obtained from John 
Digges, and about one hundred acres at a much later period 
from Patrick McSherry. Not being able to see an}- of the 



46 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

<leeds to these lands, we are not prepared to state tlie nuni- 
l)er of acres held, but it is generally placed somewhere about 
live hundred, now divided off into three fine farms. 

The Germans began to push across the Susquehanna as 
early as 1730, and by 1740 there were a number of German 
families in the Conewago settlement, and a few scattered 
here and there in all the surrounding counti-y. Among these 
people, two German Fathers were sent to labor. Rev. Theo. 
Schneider, S. J., a Bavarian, built the first church at Goshen- 
hoppen, soon after 1740. He was born in 1703, and entered 
the Society in 1721. Rev. Wm. Wapeler, S. J., built the log 
church at Conewago in 1741, as near as can he ascertained. 
These men were "full of zeal and prudence." Father Wape- 
ler was born in Westphalia, Jan. 22d, 1711, and entered the 
Society in 1728. Bishop Carroll says he converted and re- 
claimed many to the faith of Christ, during the eight years 
lie remained in America. Bad health compelled him to re- 
turn to Europe. He died at Bruges in 1781. The log church 
of Father Wapeler's time was built so as to appear as a pri- 
vate dwelling, so as not to be an open violation of the string- 
ent penal laws then existing ui the colonies, — the "best 
contrivances ever devised by the perverted ingenuity of 
man, for the degradation of the human soul and intellect." 
Thus Catholics were pennitted to worship, not by the laws, 
but by public sentiment, v/hich thus confessed its shame for 
the intolerant spirit of the mother country and its established 
church. Churches so built were called "Mass-houses," rather 
from suspicion than from public knowledge. The church at 
Conewago had three rooms, one in which services were held 
and two that were used for household purposes. Imagina- 
tion can hardly picture the poverty of this humble place of 
worship. Being a Catholic settlement, with friendly Protest- 
ant neighbors, there is no record of Catholics ever having 
l)een disturbed. Father Wapeler had purchased land for a 
church at Lancaster at the same time, but in consequence of 
fears of a war with Fi'ance, he became an object of suspicion, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 47 

and the matter havino- been brought before the Council l)y 
Gov. Gordon, it was abandoned lor the time. 



FIRST RESIDENT PRIEST. 



About this period, 1750, the missions in Pennsylvania 
were just becoming established and their organization was 
assuming definite shape. This was probabl)' the most trouble- 
some time for the church. Catholics were increasing in num- 
ber, and scattering wherever new settlements were ])eing 
formed. The missionaries were few, in a strange country and 
chmate ; — and these few mostly old and worn out. Means 
were wanting to carry on the work of building churches and 
pushing the missionary labor. It is said that up to the Revo- 
lution, only the churches in Baltimore and Philadelphia were 
able to make any contributions. Aid was extended through 
the Society in London, and some contributions to the mission- 
ary cause may have come from charitalde individuals in 
Europe. The only record we have of this, is the report ol" 
Rev. George Hunter, Superior of the Jesuits, forwarded to 
Rev. J. Dennett in England, Provincial, in 17G5. Conewago 
is called the mission of St. Francis Regis, with an annual in- 
come from the missionary plantation of twenty pounds, and 
twenty pounds more as aid from London. How long this aid 
was received, we have no way of ascertaining. 

The unsettled condition of the country, the Indian 
troubles and the difficulties between the French and English 
regarding their possessions in the new world, all worked 
against the success of the missions. The Catholics suffered a 
great deal because of their friendship for the French. The 
suspicions of the English were unfounded, and the colonies 
never found truer iViends than the Catholics. War was 



48 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

formally declared between the French and English in May, 
1756. About this time it was alleged the French sent emis- 
saries through York and adjacent counties, to incite the 
Catholics to rise against their Pi-otestant neighbors. If such 
an effort was made, it failed. The local histories here assert 
that five Swiss Catholic families joined the French, but it is 
not likely that they were impelled by sucli motives. They 
may have had friends or relatives among the French, and 
moved with them into the far western settlement where the 
French had their headquarters. 

The Pennsylvania Archives give an account of an exam- 
ination by the authorities, who were suspicious that the 
Catholics in these missions might aid the French. Wm. 
Johnston was examined, and testified that he came from 
Naaman's Creek, on the Delaware River, to Baltimore Coun- 
ty, Md., where he was sometime engaged in the service of 
Thomas Burgons and others, and attended at " Priest Neale's 
Mass-House." Father Neale was suspected of advocating the 
cause of the French against the English. When the struggle 
for Independence came, priests and people were among the 
first to sacrifice their lives and their property for the cause. 
It may not be out of place to state that Thos. Burgons allud- 
ed to in Wm. Johnston's examination, w^as no doubt the 
Burgoons family which at a later day Father Gallitzin rode 
many miles to visit in their sickness, an account of which his 
biographers give. 

From a return made to Lord Louden, Commander of 
the British, April 29th, 1757, it appears that the number of 
Catholics in York County, such as received the sacraments, 
under the care of Matthias Manners, was 116 Germans and 
73 Irish. It is impossible to tell how near correct this esti- 
mate was, but it is safe to say that it did not take in all the 
Catholics scattered through this section of the Provinces. 
The same enumeration gives the number of Catholics about 
Philadelphia and in Chester County, under Rev. Robert 
Harding ; those in Philadelphia County, Berks, Northampton. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 49 

Bucks and Chester Counties, under Rev. Theodore Schneider ; 
and under Rev. Ferdinand Farmer (Steinnieyer) in Ijancaster, 
Berks, Chester and Cumberhind Counties, — in all 1305. — 
Cumberland County extended from the Susquehanna to what 
is now the border line between Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
and Father Farmer journeyed in his missionary labors through 
all this section and the State, into New York and New Jersey. 
He was an untiring laboi-er. He came to Philadelphia in 
1758, and died there in 1786. 

Of Father Manners we know very little. He was the 
iirst priest stationed at Conewago, and his missionary held was 
large, taking in all this section of the States and extending 
westward along the mountains into Virginia. We do not 
know when he first came here, l)ut he nuist have ministered 
on this mission up to 1758. It is said he was " a great man," 
and acted in the capacity of Provincial, but under what con- 
ditions and circumstances in the state the Society was in, we 
are not able to say. If even he was only Superior, there is 
no record to show who were his co-laborers. His proper name 
was Sittensperger. Why he officiated under an assumed name 
does not appear, but it might have been to avoid the inter- 
ference of friends in the old country, who might have l)een 
opposed to his conversion, or pGrversion in their estimation, as 
we learn from the similar experience of other priests. At 
that time it was cnstomary in both countries to translate 
proper names into the language of the country of adoption ; 
and as Sitten in German is equivalent to Mauiicr-s in Fnglish, 
Father Sittensperger may have thought it both mwmcrhj as 
well as cnstomary to Anglicize his name. That there was a 
graver cause than this, there is every reason to believe. At 
home at Conewago among his friends and those of the faith, 
he may have been known as Father Sittensperger, S. J. ; but 
on his travels among strangers he was doubtlessly only recog- 
nized as Mr. Manners, a gentleman traveling for some purpose 
or other, except to the few Catholics he met, who knew him 
as a Catholic priest. Those were not halcyon days for the 
poor Catholic pi'iests or peoi)le. 



50 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

THE LOG CHURCH ENLARGED. 



Since writing the last few chapters, we have discovered 
that Father Neale took up a tract of land at Conewago in his 
name. Rev. Henry Neale was an English Jesuit, arriving in 
this country in 1740, and doing missionary work as assistant 
to Father Greaton, of St. Joseph's, Philadelphia. In 1747, 
he took up 121 acres at Goshenhoppen, I^erks County. He 
died in 1748, and was buried near the church in Philadelphia. 
This tract, no doubt, is the large body of land now held by 
the Society, and was then part of Digges' Choice. 

. Up to the Revolution the church had no head or organi- 
zation in this country. The Jesuits were the principal mis- 
sionary workers in the eastern States., The Society was being 
persecuted in Europe, and was eventually suppressed, in 1773, 
though it was an act of compulsion, never carried out except 
in appearance as a matter of policy. The members of the 
Society in this country continued to live and labor under their 
rules, as the troublesome circumstances would best permit. — 
They were governed by the representative of the Superior of 
the Society who resided in London. The Provincial or rep- 
resentative so appointed resided at St. Thomas' Mission, near 
Port Tobacco, in Maryland, still the residence of the Superiors, 
or so at least up to the recent formation of the tri-State pro- 
vince of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. We do not 
know that there is any record, giving the names and dates of 
appointment of the first Superiors in this country. Probably 
Rev. John Williams, an English Jesuit, was Superior as early 
as 17G3 ; Father John or George Hunter as early as 1765, and 
Superior and Vicar-General in 1794, according to ScharflP. — 
Father John Lewis was Superior some time during the revo- 
lutionary period. As we have said before, there seems to be 
no defmite record of the early missionary })riests. Baltimore 
itself was only a station before the Revolution, supplied once 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 51 

a, month from White Marsh. When we compare the chm^cli 
to day with the missionary field at that time, we are astonish- 
ed at the hibor they performed and the hardships and incon- 
veniences they underwent. Now the church has Bishops and 
Arclibishops, a Cardinal ; thousands of churches and priests ; 
colleges, seminaries and religious institutions, and all the com- 
forts and conveniences of a progressive age and of a powerful 
country. The poor missionaries left their homes and were 
driven from their country ; they came into the new settle- 
ments, strangers among strangers, without any churches or 
congregations or friends, looked upon with suspicion by the 
people and hampered and persecuted by the laws; but they 
held their ground, per-formed a noble work in guarding the 
infant church and building up what is now the mightiest re- 
ligious structure in America. May the church never forget 
her founders, — the poor, scattered Catholics, and the daring, 
persevering missionaries. They lived, labored and died for 
the faith. All honor to them, and may God increase their 
reward for all the ages of eternity. How much we have ! how 
little we do! How little they had; yet what wonders did 
they not accomplish. 

In 1758, June 9tli, foiu' priests arrived in the Maryland 
missions from England. They were James Frombach, James 
Pellentz, John Williams, but who the fourth was we are not 
certain. Father Christopher Andrews lived with Father Pel- 
lentz lor nearly forty years, " a faithful servant," and died at 
Conewago Nov. 2d, 1799, at the age of nearly one hundred 
years. VV'e may suppose that he was one of the company of 
four, but are not certain. Father Frombach succeeded Father 
Manners as Supericn-, an.d remained at Conewago ten years. 
He spent a year and a lialt at Lancaster, and then went to 
Frederick, from which place his missionary travels extended 
through western Maryland into Virginia, as far as Winchester. 
He was a model missionary priest, an example of every vir- 
tue,— mild, patient, modest, obedient, pious and zealous. His 
death record is entered at Conewago, Aug. 27th, 1795. He 



52 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

died of a contagious fever ; some say at St, Iiiigoes, Md., which 
may agree with the record of his death, " in comitatu Mariae, 
in Marylandia." 

Father Frombach was assisted while Superior of Cone- 
wago by Father Detrich, a French gentleman, during whose 
time an addition was built to the old church, and another 
small room attached thereto. Father Pellentz's name also 
appears, especially on the dillerent missions, so that he most 
likely made Conewago his home from 1758 to 1768, and went 
out on the surrounding missions, — Frederick, Hagerstown and 
the valleys along the mountains. He succeeded Father From- 
bach as Suj)erior. Father Andrews was no doubt his assist- 
ant, both on the missions and after he became Superior. It 
is sad to think that so little knowledge is preserved of these 
Fathers and their labors. We know that the}^ rode on horse- 
back many miles to visit the sick and minister to the wants 
of the Catholics, that they had to undergo many hardships 
and dangers, 1)ut l)eyond this little else is known. Whatever 
information may be gained from kind friends who are inter- 
ested and better informed on such matters, we shall be only 
too glad to give later on. 



THE SACRED HEART BUILT. 

The Revolutionary period was one of trial and gloomy 
foreboding for the colonists, and especially so tor the Catho- 
lics. War with the mother country cut them off from all 
communication or authority with the church in Europe and 
the head of the Societ}' in England. There were dangers to 
be feared from such freedom from authority, but in greater 
straits than this the church had found able men raised up for 
its rescue. So with the infant church in the colonies. Among 
the few priests were men of sti-ong mind and determined 
purpose, — men of example and judgment, who by their labors 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 53 

and their virtues inspired priests and people witli confidence 
and encouragement. Independence, like the sun after tl«e 
darkest storm, brought light and freedom and prosperity to 
the people ; the church shared in the new life and light thus 
spread. Many things rendered it necessary that the church 
should have established authority in America, from Rome and 
not from Ijondon, now that America rendered her no more 
allegiance. Rev. John Carroll was appointed Vicar-Apostolic, 
consecrated Bishop in 1790, and raised to the Archbishopric 
in 1809. 

Father Carroll visited Conewago in 1784, and adminis- 
tered the Sacrament of Confirmation, and again about 1811. 
He placed the number of communicants at Conewago on 
his first visit at one thousand. There are but few living now 
who were confirmed by Bishop Carroll. Miss Sallie Lilly, 
no doubt, is one of them, and there may be several more in 
the valley, who were born about 1800. 

From this time the growth of the church was rapid every- 
where, and on a sound and healthy basis. There were a few 
weak points here and there which caused trouble, but they 
deserve now to be forgotten as they served only to strengthen 
the church the more permanently. Diocese after diocese was 
formed, new Bishops and Archbishops created, and so the 
work is now going on successfully to-day. First Conewago 
was vmder the Bishop of Baltimore, then it belonged to tlie 
Diocese of Philadelphia and now it is in that of Harrisburg. 
It is subject, of course, like always, to the Superiors and Pro- 
vincials of the Society of Jesus, and they to the Father-Gen- 
eral in Rome, or wherever he may temporarily reside. In 
religious matters it is governed by the rules of the Church as 
they relate to the Orders and the Bishops in their respective 
dioceses. 

We come now to one of the most important periods in 
the history of the Conewago Church, when the present stone 
church was built by Father Pellentz. The church was spread- 
ing and growing everywhere. The greatest trouble experi- 



54 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

enced was the want of priests, especially men of executive 
[Cbilitj, who could by their energy and perseverance, with the 
limited means at hand, build suitable churches for the accom- 
modation of the increasing number of Catholics. Conewago 
was truly blessed with such a man, in the person of Father 
James Pellentz, S. J. As a missionary he had attended to 
the widely scattered missions of Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
and as a German his services were required in more places 
than he could possibly render them. We find him at Freder- 
ick, at Lancaster, and intervening points ; at Carlisle and 
through the valley to Hagerstown, and later on having in 
charge the border settlements along the mountains, of which 
he was relieved by Father Gallitzin. His principal assistant 
at Conewago was Father Andrews, whom he calls a '• fixithful 
servant," which implies more than we can express — the whole 
burden of church work at Conewago, as Father Pellentz had 
many outside duties and matters of business which claimed 
his attention. Two other })riests' names are mentioned as 
assistants to Father Pellentz, but no dates can be given. They 
were Fathers Charles Sewell and Sylvester Roarman, of the 
Society, and could not have been at Conewago very long 
before Father Pellentz's death. There were other priests on 
the Maryland and Pennsylvania missions, who came to Cone- 
wago off and on, but were never stationed. 

The building of canals and public roadways shortl}' after 
the Revolution, brought many L'ish and German Catholics 
into the States, and wherever they went missionaries were 
sent among them. Conewago increased rapidly in population, 
and the rich larming lands brought increased wealth and pros- 
perity. When Father Pellentz succeeded Father P>ombach 
as Superior about 1768, the want of a larger church was al- 
ready beginning to be felt. The log church must have been 
but a small place, with bare walls and rude benches and hardly 
a floor in it except around the altar and the small room at- 
tached. Everything that entered the building had to be fur- 
nished in the settleinent. and the means for any kind of work 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 55 

were very limited. Travel was then yet mostly by horse- 
back, so that people were dependino; to a great extent upon 
tlieir own resources, cut olt" from the towns by long distances 
through an unsettled couuti'y. 

Many of the Catholics of Conewago were then consider- 
ed well-to-do, and were as intelligent and a])preciative of the 
comforts of life as people are now. Father Pellentz saw ihe 
need of improvements, so that religion might take the lead in 
the growth of the country. Any steps towards carrying out 
his plans were out of the ([uestion, on account of the troubles 
and uncertainties occasioned by the war of Independence. 

When peace was restored and the country attained a 
separate and independent existence, the future of the churdi 
like that of the land became brighter and more promising. — 
Father Pellentz lost no time in making preparations for his 
great work. There was money to be collected, material to l)e 
furnished and worked out, and many things t(^ be attended to 
in the erection of so large and finished a building. The stone 
for the church had to be quarried and dressed near East Ber- 
lin, and hauled a distance of ten or fifteen miles. The erec- 
tion of the Church of the Sacred Heart was begun sometime 
in 1786 and completed in 1787. It stands to-day as solid and 
substantial as ever. We have no record of its dedication and 
consecration. The (^Id log church was removed, and services 
were probably held in one of the rooms of the house or tem- 
porary place of dwelling. The parsonage was built at the 
same time, and like the church has since been enlarged and 
improved. There was a quaint old cupola on the church, but 
whether it was put up at the same time, or later by Fathers 
DeBarth and Lekeu, we are unable to find out. The one 
hundredth anniversary of the building of this church will be 
appropriately cele])rated next year. The Fathers held a pic- 
nic in the grove adjoining the church on the 28th of Jul}', 
just passed, and realize<l nearly $500, which will be devoted 
to the celebration of this anniversary. In this church, Father 



56 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Pellentz has left a greater monument to his memory than our 
humble pen can inscribe. 

" This Father's memory is still, and will ever be, affec- 
tionately and gratefully cherished by the pastors and congre- 
gation of Conewago, as one of the most liberal, charitable and 
zealous of men and benefactors, and as a shepherd who laid 
down his life for his flock, after many weary years of inces- 
sant and successful labor, in erecting and perpetuating a church 
in which thousands and tens of thousands were expected and 
destined to worship their Maker, and save their immortal 
souls." 

A short sketch of the church, written about 1830 by one 
of the Fathers, from information of one of the oldest inhabit- 
ants, has the following allusion to the present church as it 
then appeared : " As it respects the settlement in which it is 
placed, it is not too much to say that few settlements, if any, 
will be found in the United States composed of a more dense, 
wealthy, economical, industrious and intelligent population. 
The farm attached to the church contains about 500 acres, of 
probably the very best quality of land in the State of Penn- 
sylvania. The present church is built of rough-stone, the front 
of a peculiar sort of red sandstone, found some miles distant 
from the church, of a very strong texture, and is about GO 
feet long, 40 feet high and about 80 feet broad, [taking in 
the whole front of the building and parsonage,] with a semi- 
diagonal sanctuary at the east end of about 20 feet, this show- 
ing it to be one of the largest buildings for public worship as 
yet in the interior of the country, exclusive of towns and cit- 
jgg " -^ :!= * u p^f^^ther Pellentz was a missionary of the 
most exemplary piety, of untiring zeal, of the most agreeable 
and fascinating manners, and certainly possessed of uncommon 
influence, not only over his own flock but also possessing the 
affection and confidence of persons of other religious denomi- 
nations, else it would have been impossible for him to have 
erected at such an early period, and at such heavy expense, a 
building of such dimensions. Suffice it to say, that those few. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IITSTORY. 57 

without (listinctioii of religious ci'cods, who have survived him, 
iuid who were personahy acquainted witli him, speak iu the 
most exalted terms oi" his character and l»y them his memory 
is lield in the highest veneration." 

Jnmes Pellentz, S. J., was born in Germany, Jan. 19th, 
1727 ; entered the Society in 1744, and made his profession 
in 175G. He iiUed the olhce of Vicar-Oeneral to P)isiiop Car- 
roll in 1791, and was present at the Hrst Council of Baltimore. 
He died, accordnig to the record entered at Conevvago, on 
March loth, 1800, and was buried on the ir)tli. He was at 
old 8t. Joseph's in Philadelphia in Nov., 1705, as appears from 
the baptismal register. 



FR. PELLENTZ TO FR. De BART]1. 



Every ellbrt to obtain some connected account of the 
liistory of Conewago during this period, has been fruitless. — 
Tliei-e ai'C conlhcting statements regarding the successor of 
Fatlier Pellentz as Superior in 1800. If Fatlier Prosius was 
Superior at all, it was for a very short time. We are inclined 
to thiidv that he was not, but may have been acting as such 
until a [)ermanent Supei'ior was appointed. Between Father 
Pellentz and Fatliers l)e Partli and Lekeu, there is a space of 
some years when tliere was no permanent Superior, but dif- 
ferent priests acting in that capacity. The piiests who were 
at Conewago about tliis time, attended the dhferent missions 
more or less alternatel}^, as best suited the various conflicting 
circumstances. The Bishop was then beginning to exercise 
his authority, and getting his large and scattered household 
in something like working order. Demands were made upon 
him for a German priest here, an English one there, and one 
for the Irish somewhere else. The Provincial of the Jesuits 
was Rev. Kobert Molyneaux, who had succeeded Father Lewis. 
The church kept meeting the growhig needs of the people, and 



58 COXEWAGO— A COLLECTTOX OF 

laying the foundations for vast future extensions. Colleges 
were being founded and native priests supplied, upon whom 
the chureli was soon to depend in a great measure. The 
Sulpitians founded St. Mary's College, and the Jesuits that of 
(xeorgetown. Religious orders were begimiing to he intro- 
duced, to aid in the increasing work of the church, and from 
the humble start of Mother Seton at Emmettsburg, sprang 
that vast religious body which is now to be found carrjdng on 
schools and asylums and charitable works everywhere. It is 
not our plan or purpose to enter into any details outside of 
our limited held, for it could not be more than a passing 
notice. Thanks to able and learned men, these grounds are 
well covered by the History of the Catholic Church in the 
United States, the Life of Mother Seton, History of the Cath- 
olic Cliurch in Western Pennsylvania, Life of Father Gallitzin, 
and other valuable works. If only Catholics would giv^e more 
encouragement to this branch of churt^h literature ! 

Rev. F. X. Brosius was the young priest who came to 
this countr}'^ with Prince Gallitzin in 1792. He was a very 
useful missionary. Just wliat time he spent at Conewago it 
is impossible to designate. Father Middleton, 0. S. A., places 
him here in 1801. and at Baltimore in 1804-5. According 
to Mr. Griffin he was at Lancaster in 1796, where he issued 
the " Reply of a Roman Catholic Priest to a Peace-Loving 
Preacher of the Lutheran Church ;" in 1 806 in Philadelphia ; 
1807, he founded a " Seminary '' or Scliool at Mont Airy, ad- 
joining Philadelphia ; 1813, he issued at Philadelphia "The 
Elements of Xatnral or Experimental Philosophj^ ;" 1815, at 
Jamaica Plains, near Boston, where he taught German to 
Geo. Ticknor; 1816, April 14th, his finst baptismal record ap- 
pears at the Cathedral, Boston, and his last on June 28th.— 
Then he went to Germany, or brobably first to Cincinnati, 
then started for Europe. His name appears as sponsor on the 
baptismal records of Conewago on the following dates : Feb. 
7th, 1794; May 25th, 1795; Xov. 25th, 1798; Oct. 24th, 
1800 ; Xov. 3d, 1800 : April 28th, 1803. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTOKY. 59 

March 2cl, 1793. there is a baptism recorded, with the 
name of Kev. V. Erntzcu given as sponsor. The " P." may 
signify " leather " from the Latin Pakr. Tliere is some donbt 
as to the correctness of his name, as it is impossible to distin- 
guish the '• n '' fn,)m the " u." Father Middleton gives his 
name as '^Enntzen" or "Erntzen,"' which latter would corres- 
pond with the record. Kev. Paul Dominic Enntzen or Ernt- 
zen was the fifth pastor of Cxoshenhoppcn, from April, 1793, 
to May, 26th, 181(S. The same Father w^as at Lebanon from 
LSOl to 1804. 

It has also been stated by some that Father Pellentz w^as 
succeeded as Superior by Fatlier Charles Sewell or Fatlier 
Sylvester Boarman, both of whom labored at Conewago some 
time before and after 1800. 

These priests were assisted by Fathers Cerfoumont, 
Manly or Maunly, Mertz, Zocchi, and others. There is men- 
tion of a Fatlier Zocklcij, which most likely meant Rev. Nico- 
laus or Nichohis Zocchi, who succeeded Father Galhtzin at 
Taneytow^n. Rev. D. Stanislaus Cerfoumont was a missionary 
priest for nineteen years, and died at Conewago Aug. 2d, 
1804, aged 53. He was one of the priests present at the 
first Council of Baltimore in 1791. Of Fatlier Manly nothing 
is known. Father .lolm Nicholas Mertz was at Conewago in 
1804. — his name ap}M3aring only once on the register of bap- 
tisms. Father Middleton places him here from Aug., 1803, 
to Nov., 1805; from Dec. 0th, 1805, to May 20th, at Balti- 
more ; in 1828 at Java, N. Y. ; 1829, at Bulfalo ; about 1836 
to 1838, at Eden, and Western New York ; dying Aug. 10th, 
1844, aged 81. Bishop Timon wrote that Father Mertz was 
pastor at Conewago in 1826, for three years, and left it in 
1829 for Bulfalo and Eden, N. Y., "where lie labored with 
the most untiring zeal from the year 1829 till his death.'' — 
He was a native of Germany, where he was ordained in 1791, 
and was received into the Diocese of Baltimore by Bishop 
Carroll in 1811, "by whom he was always much respected 
and esteemed.'' 



60 COXEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

We come to another name in the history of Conewago, 
of a man the record of whose hfe and labors would fill a vol- 
ume itself, and that is Demetrius Augustine de (jallitzin. — 
lie was born at the Hague, Dec. 22d. 1770. His father 
was high in favor at the Russian Court, and tlie young prince 
himself was destined for a soldier and statesmen, but Provi- 
dence ordahied otliervvise. His mother was of noble liirth, 
and to her training is due to a "great extent the religious 
course of the Princes life. She herself was misled for a time, 
but lived and died a model christian woman and a Catholic. 
There are many traits of character in the life of Father (jallit- 
zin which challenge our admiration. Catholic youtli should 
study his life. Porn to vast estates and all the honors of 
nobility, he forfeited all and became the humble missionary 
of Loretto, in the wild and distant country of the Alleghany 
mountains, in America. His life was a continual sacrihce of 
all that the world had to oiler. Friends and kindred, home 
and country and everything, he left to become a poor, travel- 
ing missionary, living and laboring for others, with never a 
thought of himself. In coming to tliis country, he assumed 
the name of Plerr Schmett, from the familj' of his mother, 
who was tlie daughter of Countess Ruffert and Marslial Count 
Schmetteau. From this he derived the American name of 
Mr. Smith, which he kept until changiid by an act of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature. He joined the Sulpitians in this 
country, and was ordained a priest March 18th, 1795, and 
was sent to Conewago. From here he attended the missions 
for many miles around. The great aim and object of his life 
was to found a Catholic colony. Starting with a few Catholic 
families in 1799, when he left Conewago, he gave all his means 
and energies towards its accomplishment ; and from this hum- 
ble beginning at Maguire's settlement, among the Alleghany 
mountahis, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, he raised up a 
church and a Catholic people, cultivated the land and cleared 
the forests, so that at his death all the blessings of home and 
religion were enjoyed by thousands of happy souls, where 



CATHOLTC LOCAL HISTOIIY. 61 

once a lone wilderness spread its attending desolation. Father 
Gallitzin died at Loretto, May 6th, 1840. He visited Cone- 
wago at different times during his life, and nian}^ people yet 
have a personal recollection of this yaintly priest. Poor, 
dear Father (lallitzin ! When discouraged by the sad failures 
t)f life, and disgusted at the hollow deceits of the world, we 
recall the saci'ifices, priv-ations and sufferings of this truly 
noble man, we become reconciled to fate and feel that we 
have done nothing to entitle us to the miseral)le existence an 
unworth}' life allbrds. 



FR. De BARTII to FR. LEKEU. 



With the growth of the country and that of towns and 
villages, the days of the traveling missionary were drawing 
to a close. In the beginning of the present century all the 
outljdng missions had already been supplied with churches, 
and priests stationed at the most central points, who supplied 
the wants of the Catholics within their reach. So the priests 
of the community at Conewago had their respective fields of 
labor. Littlestown, York and Carlisle were the first places 
provided with church buildings, and where there were none, 
services were held at first once a month in a room of some 
Catholic family, where the surrounding Catholics would meet. 
The priests made use of the Ijest means in their power to 
keep the Catholics who were far from churches well grounded 
in their religion, and that was " Catechism." Who does not 
remember the happy days when " going to Catechism !" Be- 
fore schools or churches were built, the priests would give in- 
structions at stated times wherever a few Catholic children or 
people could be gotten together ; at the same time, baptizing 
marrying, and performing all the rites of the church as neces- 
sity demanded. All the s\n"rounding towns, villages and 



62 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

country places were thus visited by the Coiiewago Fathers. 
Those were days of trials for the Catholics, and the sacrifices 
they made to practice their religion show that the faith was 
strong in them. Who to-da}^ walks ten and twenty miles to 
hear Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? With 
all our modern conveniences many ot us are exceedingly care- 
less and negligent in this respect. Our fathers and mothers 
tell us that they walked from the "barrens," — from beyond 
Abbottstown and the Pigeon Hills in Paradise, from East 
Berlin and Pinetown (now New Chester) to the vicinity of 
Gettysburg, and down by Littlestown to the country below 
Hanover,— walked many a time from these places to Conewago 
Chapel to church, carrying their shoes in their hands as far 
as Slagle's Run or the Conewago and there putting them on, 
and feeling as neat and trim in linsey dress and homespun as 
we do to-day in silk and broadcloth. How times and customs 
change, while the church suits herself to every need and cir- 
cumstance and goes on forever ! We who are proud and 
haughty and religious only for fashion's sake, might learn a 
wholesome lesson from the simple manners and true piety of 
our forefathers of the " good old time." And if some writer 
one hundred years hence undertakes to teach his generation 
by the example and practice of this age, what is to become 
of our boasted civilization ! 

Among the priests who were at Conewago from 1800 to 
1820, and of whom we have nothing but mere mention, are 
the following: Rev. Matthew Carr, 0. S. A., in 1807. He 
established the Order of St. Augustine in Philadelphia in 1795, 
and started the building of the church of St. Augustine. Rev. 
Francis Rolof from 1808 to 1810, who was in Baltimore in 
1828. Father Marshall, in 1814; there was a Rev. Francis 
Xavier Marshall at Reading in 1839, and this may be the 
same one. Father Middleton puts the date of Father Matthew 
Lekeu's coming to Conewago as May 26th, 1817, and pro- 
bal^ly he laboi'ed here continuous!}' from that time till his 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 63 

departure for France about 1843. Rev. P. Rantzun or Ran- 
son was at Cone wage in 1818. This was no doubt Rev. 
Maximilian Rantzau, s[)elt so himself in his will, a copy of 
which we have. lie was born in Monster near Westphalia, 
Dec. 23d, 1700 ; died at Frederick, Aug. Tth. 1827. Father 
Vincent Phil. MayerhoQer was at Conevvago in 1819. There 
is mention of Fathers Cummj^sky and Stogan, as assistants to 
Father De Barth ; Rev. J. W. Beschter is also anentioned in 
that capacity, but we do not know at what time he came to 
Conewago. A l)reviary preserved in the old library has the 
following inscription ; "Ad usum J. W. Beschter, 1816."'— 
This must have been when he was a young priest, for he died 
at Conewago (Paradise) more than twenty-five years after- 
wards. Thei-e is a death record at Conewago of Father Pat- 
rick O'Connor, Jidy 18tli, 1816. Whether he labored here 
any length of time, is not known. He was probably a Mary- 
land priest. 

The Revolution in France was a blessing to the church in 
America. What Europe lost by her wars against religion, 
this country gained. The Jesuits were great missionaries, 
teachers and statesmen, and worked for great ends. The So- 
ciety of Jesus was founded as an army to battle against the 
enemies of religion ; to fight the battles of the chur(.'h against 
infidelity, and to stand between the powers of the world, the 
flesh and the demon in their attacks upon God, His church 
and His poor. The prayer of its saintly founder, St. Ignatius 
Loyola, was for continual persecution of its members, so that 
the}' might become grim warriors used to the struggles that 
light is bound to meet with darkness as long as time shall 
exist. Like the soldier, the Jesuits are trained to religious 
austerities from youth to the grave, and they are practiced in 
every mode of christian warfiire. They are as learned a body 
of men as the world will ever see. Their school of theology 
is the grandest in the history of the church. As teachers 
they have hardly an equal, and when they once have the 
training of a youth his habits as a rule are ibrmcd for a life- 



64 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

time. No wonder that they are persecuted by the world of 
cruel and ambitious tyrants ; for if religion is to be crushed, 
the Jesuits will have to be conquered first. All the intrigues 
of men have been brought against them in vain, and though 
their suppression may have been thus accomplished, them- 
selves slandered, calumniated and persecuted, it only served 
to make them stronger and more powerful in the cause of re- 
ligion. Defeated in one place, they turned up in another with 
half a nation converted to the church before their enemies 
knew what had become of them. Thus it seems providential 
that when Europe ceased to be a profitable field of missionary 
labor, persecution drove the Jesuits into other countries where 
they met with unbounded success. 

Among those whose names will ever adorn the annals of 
the Society in America, Adolphus Lewis de Barth is not the 
least. Next to Father Pellentz is his memory cherished at 
Conewago, and his life and labors here rank with those of 
such Companions as Lekeu, Enders, Deneckere, Vilhger and 
Emig, in what they have done for Conewago. He was born 
Nov. 1st, 1764 ; came to this country shortly before 1800 ; 
labored at Bohemia Manor, Maryland ; at St. Joseph's, Phila- 
delphia in 1795 ; at Lancaster a number of years ; Vicar- 
General to Bishop Egan, and administrator from his death in 
1814 to 1820, when he became Superior at Conewago. He 
remained here imtil 1828, when he became rector at St. 
John's Church, Baltimore, where now stands the beautiful 
church of St. Alphonsus. In 1838, his growing infirmities 
compelled him to retire for rest to (xoorgetovvn College, 
where he died a saintly death, October 13th, 1 844. His name 
occurs at Conewago in 1807. He signed his name "L. Bartli " 
and " Lewis Barth." He is further mentioned at Conewago 
in 1804, 1809 and 1815. His name is pronounced "De Bart" 
by the old people who knew him. It is said that he was pas- 
tor at Conewago for twentj^-five years, l)ut he could not have 
Ijeen such and performed his official duties to the Bishop and 
the Diocese. He may have been connected witli Conewago 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 65 

and had more ov less supervision, from the beginning of this 
century to 1828. In 1820, the pevvsjstem was introduced, and 
on that question there was a decided difference between liim- 
self and Father Lekeu. The sketch of 1830 says' Father De 
Barth was the " Presiding Pastor" of-Conewago Congrega- 
tion, and Father l^ritt the " Superior of the Fatliers of the 
same house." Be that as it may, we know that Father De 
Barth managed the pi-opei'ty and all the business and papers 
were transacted in liis name. He received power of attorney 
from Kev. Francis I. Neale, of Georgetown College, June 21st, 
1811, for the estate at Conewago, — then already "in his pos- 
session," which had been bequeathed to Father Neale by Father 
Molyneaux and held by Father Pellentz, and transferred from 
Father De Barth to Father Lekeu in 1828. Father Neale 
we presume was the successor of Kev. Roljert Molyneaux as 
Provincial of the Jesuits. 

When the vSociety of Jesus was i-eorganized under its 
rules in this country, a number of Jesuits from Europe joined 
its ranks. In Russia the Order was protected and it existed 
there when more or less suppressed and expelled from the 
other countries. "That good Franciscan of the Vatican," 
said Frederick the Great of Pope Sixtus Y., from whom the 
brief of suppression had been wrung,— (compulsus feci ! com- 
pulsus feci !) — " leaves me my dear Jesuits, who are persecut- 
ed everywhere else. I will preserve the precious seed, so as 
to be able one day to api)ly it to such as may desire again to 
cultivate this rare plant." 

Conewago received a part of this pjrecious seed. Fathers 
Adam J^ritt and Michael Joseph Byrne were priests from 
White Marsh, Russia, and were among Father De Barth's 
assistants. Father Britt was stricken with j)aralysis while on 
the altar, and was carried to his room. He died July 8th, 
1822, in his 81st year, after receiving all the rites of the 
church. Father Byrne died March 28th, 1823, and was bur- 
ied on the 30th. He was a missionary in the city of Lancas- 
ter, and was aged forty -six years. Fathei-s Larhue and Divin 
were also assistants about 1822, but of them we know noth- 
ing more. 



66 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

FROM FR. LEKEU TO FR. ENDERS. 






' There is never any rest for man in this world, no matter 
how long his life nor how successfnl his works. We are 
speaking of laborers, those who have been brought up busy 
and active at any employment. If old age or infirmity com- 
pels rest and retirement, it turns into weariness and unrest 
that betokens approaching dissolution. So with the Fathers 
who had grown old in the service of the church at Conewago. 
They always found something to do, and were ever planning 
some means of temporal and religions improvement for the 
community. Not one of them but what he had to be pur- 
suaded that it was necessary he should be relieved of his active 
duties and take the rest which age demanded, and even then 
compliance was only in response to authority, sacredly and 
religiously observed for a life-time. Poor Fathers, they loved 
their household as parents love their family, and their only 
desire was to care for it to the end. j 

The people of the valley at present would be surprised 
could they see Conewago as it was yet in 1830, and along 
there. Dense woods extended all around. These furnished 
timber for all the improvements that have since been made. 
The large tract of woodland reaching back to the Keagy 
property, and about the last belonging to the Chapel farms, 
was cleared out some years ago and used in the building of 
O'Bold's large barn, and in the new house and barn of the 
third church tiirm, on the Hanover road. We can only guess 
at the dates when the farm buildings were erected and the 
church Improvements made. The old stone house, torn down 
when the present dwelling of James Devine was built, was 
probably the work of Father Pellentz ; as also the old brick 
barn ; for this can be called the homestead on the church 
property. There stood several small houses along the hill, 
that were built in the beginning of this century. Father Fn- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IIISTOIIY. G7 

ders, in his time, removed an old brick house and built a new 
one, in which Henry Kaehler lived, now occupied by his widow 
and sons. Henry Kaehler was a " faithful servant " at the 
church for a number of years, and his sons, especially Joseph, 
succeeded him, attending to the stables, the grape arbor, and 
such work. The brother attends to the garden. Father En- 
ders also tore down an old log house at the loot of the hill 
and built a new one, now used by the Fathers until the re- 
pairs of their house adjoining the church are finished. The 
house and barn on the second church f\irm, occupied by the 
Smalls for a number of years, were probably Ijuilt by Father 
Lekeu, or near his time. 

Father Matthew Lekeu received power of attorney ft-om 
Father Neale, to manage his estate at Conewago, July 24th, 
1828, just about the time Father De Barth left. He must 
then already have been acting as Superior of Conewago.— 
Father Lekeu is still well remembered by many people who 
went to instructions to him in their childhood. The missions 
grew and prospered during his management, and substantial 
improvements were made at Conewago, in the church and on 
the farms. In many respects he was " too good and easy," 
and when he was taken away. Father Lilly was sent on to 
straighten up business matters and adjust accounts. Father 
Matthew Lekeu was a native of Belgium, born 1788, entered 
the Society in 1816, and became a priest about 1823. About 
1843, he was stationed at Newtown, Md. Shortly after that 
he sailed for his native land, where he died some years later. 
His name is pronounced " Leck-eu ;" the German element 
pronounced his name short, " Leckie." He wrote his name 
Lekeu. 

The sketch of the church written about this time, between 
1828 and 1830, says Father Lekeu was assisted by Fathers 
Kohlman and Dougherty, S. J., " vmder whose administration 
the congregation appears in the following truly prosperous 
and flourishing condition : If we look at the natural advan- 
tages which the beautiful valley of Conewago presents, in re- 



68 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

garcl to fertility of soil, healthfulness of climate, profusion of 
all kinds of produce, and the artificial improvements of towns, 
villages, mills and other water works, together with a ready 
market, we cannot but place it among the most prosperous 
settlements in the Union. Yet gratifying as these advantages 
may appear, when the congregation as a body is taken in a 
religious point of view, it must afford matter of still more sin- 
cere and edifying congratulation. The number of communi- 
cants at Conewago Church is supposed to be about 2400, and 
taking into consideration the number of infants [children], the 
whole number of Catholics may be estimated at between 3000 
and 4000. This congregation was originally composed of 
the adjoining places of Littlestown, Gettysburg, Mountain 
Church, Carlisle, York and Brandt's in Pigeon Hills ; but as 
small churches have been erected in each of the above places, 
they may now he properly considered as branches emanating 
from the principal or parent congregation of Conewago, — 
more especially as three of said places still resort to Conewa- 
go on great festivals, York and Carlisle having Ijeen allowed 
a separate priest, and also Pigeon Hills — Brandt's Chapel, — 
they may now be considered as separate congregations, 
under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Dvveen (probably Divin,) 
and Father Beschter.'" 

Of the assistants of Father Lekeu, little is recorded. C. 
Paulus Kohlman, S. J., was a brother of Anthony Kohlman. 
They were distinguished priests. Father Michael Dougherty 
was born in Ireland, and made great sacrifices to enter the 
Society. The Provincial particularly recommended him to 
the care and kind treatment of his Superiors. He was a val- 
uable laborer at Conewago, and at the neighboring missions. 
He was born Aug. 15th, 1701 ; died Aug. 27th, 1803, at Con- 
ewago. Ferdinand Helias, S. J., labored several years at 
Conewago, and was then sent to Missouri. The name of Be v. 
J. Randanne appears about this period, but he was probably 
among the priests called to Conewago by the Sulpitian Semi- 
nary at the Pigeon Hills, near New Oxford. Priests also came 



I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 69 

down from Mount St. Mary's, and during vacation some priests 
and students would make the trip on foot ; thus we find such 
names as Brute, Dul)ois, Grildea, Elder, O'Brien, and others 
connected with Conewago. 

During the latter part of Father Lekeu's mirustry, he 
was assisted by Fathers Jjarher, Kendler, Steinbacher, Besch- 
ter, Zacchi, Tulfer, (xibbons, Villiger, Hatting, Cotting, and 
others. Father Virgil H. Barber has a very interesting per- 
sonal history, and we shall give a fuller account of his life 
further on. \n the liistory of the other mission churches we 
shall lind some particulars regarding the labors of these priests. 
Father Cotting built the chuiich at Gettysburg, and attended 
l^iradiso and Littlestown a while. Fathers Beschter and 
Zacchi served Paradise church for a time. Bcv. John W. 
Beschter died there Jan. 6th, 1842, and he was buried at 
Conewago. He was for many years a zealous missi(^nary in 
Pennsylvania and Maryland ; a man of a kind and good- 
natured disposition, and was much esteemed by all who knew 
liim. 

July 10th, 1844, an ordination was performed at George- 
town, D. C, by vVrclibishop Ecc*leston, at which Messrs. 
Michael TulTer. Milesius Gibltons and George Villiger, of the 
Society of Jesus, received the sub-deaconship. On the day 
following they were ordained deacons, and on the 22d were 
promoted to the dignity of the priesthood. Conewago was 
their first field of labor. 

While Father Lekeu was Superior he had pews placed 
in the church, of a more comfortable make than the old-time 
seats. He made other improvements around the church and 
on the farms. He hod some friends in France who were in 
good circumstances, and they sent him a number of valuable 
presents, among them a fine set of vestments and a rich chime 
of bells. Father McElro}' had at the same time procured a 
bell for his church, at Frederick. His bell and Father Lekeu's 
chimes were taken together from Baltimore to Frederick. 
Mr. John Lilly w\as sent with his wagon from Conewago to 



TO CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Frederick for Father Lekeu's bells. When he arrived there 
Father McEh^oy had them ah^eady in use, and the single bell 
was sent to Conewago. It is said that Father Lekeu did not 
like the exchange, but this old bell has rendered much valu- 
able service, and from its lofty place in the belfry of the new 
spire it may call the faithful to the service of the church for 
a century or more to come. 

Father Nicholas Steinbacher, S. J., succeeded Father 
Lekeu as Superior of Conewago, about 1843. lie is said to 
have been a man of great determination of purpose, and a 
very pious priest. He made considerable improvement in 
the interior of the church. He had it painted by an artist 
from Philadelphia, Mr. Monaschei, who also painted some of 
the beautiful pictures still on the walls, and made paintings 
for some of the mission churches. A brother of Father Stein- 
bacher was building a church at Lancaster at the same time, 
and called upon him for help at Conewago, but this Father 
told him he had all he could do to pay for his own under- 
takings. Father N. Steinbacher was afterwards pastor of St. 
Mary's Church, Erie, Pa.^ The pleasure of writing a history 
of old Conewago is turned into regret, for the want of fuller 
records. Many of the priests have to be passed by with the 
mere mention of their name, for there is nothing to show 
where they came from or where they went to, and no dates 
to go by. Rev. Joseph Enders succeeded Father Steinbaclier 
as Superior of Conewago, in 1847. 



The work of FATHER ENDERS. 



People who become dearly attached to a man, through 
personal friendship or on account of successful accomplish- 
ments in whatever interests them, are apt to think that after 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTOllY. 71 

him, no more sucli able leader and great and g-ood man can 
be fonnd. This is a pleasing delusion, but the grandest tribute 
that friend can pa)^ to a friend, or inferior to superior. His- 
tory is fdled with such delusions, and the world has learned 
by many a sad lesson that no matter how great and eminent 
the man in any profession, work or culling in life, there is 
always someone to take his place and continue what he may 
liave begun. Soldiers, statesmen and rulers; learned prelates 
of the church, men of fauLC in the arts and sciences — all have 
shared but the common end of nature, yet the world moves 
on as fast and unconcerned to-da}^ as if the whole universe 
was the work of its hand for time and eternity. 

On the same principle, the good people of Conewago 
from time to time are tavored with a Superior so kind and 
well beloved, such an aide manager and successful laborer, 
that surely thc}^ say his equal will never again be liad. How 
little did the dear friends of Fathers De Barth and Lekeu ex- 
pect Conewago to be blessed with such good old priests again ! 
The young carpenter priest who was appointed Superior in 
1847, became not only such a blessing, but a greater benefac- 
tor, and as noljle a father and kind a pastor as any found in 
the annals of the church. Father Enders ! Go from one end 
of the extensive parish of Conewago to the other, and from 
old and young, rich and poor, nothing will be heard but words 
of praise and fondest expressions of remembrance for Kev. 
Joseph Enders, who was truly a father to all. The work of 
his hands will attest his love and devotion for Conewago when 
the generations now springing up shall have passed away and 
be known no more. The congregation is larger and more 
prosperous than ever ; the church farms are better cultivated, 
and improved with substantial buildings ; the Church ot the 
Sacred Heart is well preserved and greatly enlarged, with 
handsome spire, marble altar and rich interior adornments ; 
but better than all this perishable work was the saintly life, 
— in patience, humility, charity and resignation, — of this faith- 



72 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

fill servant, which we may hope has brought him into his 
eternal reward. In that conniumion of saints which reaches 
to the throne of the Most High, we trust to be remembered 
in the prayers of those who only lived, labored and prayed 
for these entrusted to their charge liere below. 

The want of a larger church was already felt at Conewa- 
go in Father De Barth's time, "^rhere is a drawing of a pro- 
posed improvement preserved from 1828. It contemplated 
additions on each side of the main building, crowned with 
tiun^ets and centre spire, like many of the great churches of 
Europe. The first thought of Father ]^]nders when he came 
to Conewago was to enlarge the chiu'ch or to bnildanewone 
in some other part of the parish. There was no church then 
at Hanover, New Oxford nor Bonneauville. Meetings were 
held at Conewago and at the principal surrounding points. — 
The lit. Kev. I^ishop and the Very Rev. Father Provincial 
were consulted, and their opinions announced to the congre- 
gation. Their views were the same as those of t lie Sui)erior 
himself and the largest part of the congregation, all agreeing 
that it would be best to enlarge the Conewago church. Hav- 
ing thus decided what to do. Father Enders made every pre- 
paration to begin the work. At a meeting of the congrega- 
tion, it was decided to appoint a building committee, and the 
appointment was left to Father Enders. He selected Jacob 
Dellone, Jacob Smith, Henry Reily, Charles Will and John 
]>usbey, representing the diflerent sections of the parish ; they 
met and elected Father Enders Chairman and Treasurer. — 
Subscription papers were drawn up on the 10th day January, 
1849, and from that time the work went on successfully to 
its completion in 1851. The enlargement was in cross-form, 
45 feet wide to transept,^ — which is 85 feet,- — 125 feet in 
depth and 38 feet high. The Sanctuary and part of the old 
church had to be removed. The new part then covered the 
oldest part of the graveyard, wliere several of the priests had 
been buried. Thus of the eight or ten Fathers buried there, 
there is no mark left, except of those Ijuried since the enlarge- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 73 

inent, whose remains were placed in vaults, and inscriptions 
added. When the foundations for the furnaces were dug, parts 
of some priests' vestments were discovered. The heat of the 
furnace now almost necessitates the removal of the vaults 
from under the altar. 

The church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Kenrick, 
of the Diocese, Aug. 15th, 1850, assisted by seven priests and 
some scholastics. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. 
President of Mt. St. Mary's College. 

The old church having been adorned with rare paintings, 
it was necessar}' that the new part should be made to corres- 
pond in interior decorations. Francis Stecher, a young Ger- 
man artist who had already gained some reputation as a 
painter, was engaged, and to his skill and taste Conewago is 
indebted for the beautiful adornment of iis walls. The artist 
returned to Europe to further prosecute his studies, and visit 
his parents, but died there soon after his arrival. He certain- 
ly gave promise of great fame as an artist, and Conewago 
may well 4iold his name in grateful remembrance. 

Father Enders continued Superior until 1802, when he 
was sent to Leonardlown, St. Mary's Countj^ Md., where he 
acted as Superior and built a church. There were a number 
of priests at Conewago while Father Enders was Superior, 
but no dates can be given, and only such names as memory 
hands down to us. Rev. F. X. Deneckere came with Father 
Enders and spent the greater part of his life on tlie Conewago 
missions. Fathers Enders, Deneckere and Manns, constituted 
a happy family, and labored together for many years. Father 
Manns survives, and is still at Conewago. He came in 1862. 
Fathers Villiger, Cotting, Dougherty, Kreighton, Dietz, Rieter, 
Haller, and others, served from time to time at Conewago. 

Rev. J. B. Cattani succeeded Father Enders as Superior 
about 1860 or 1862. His death-record says he was a Bavar- 
ian, born Aug. 30th, 1805, and died at Conewago Aug. 31st, 
1865. Father l^urchard Yilliger probably succeeded him as 
Superior, assisted by Fathers Deneckere, Maims, Domperio, 



74 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

TufFer, and others. Rev. J. J. Bellvvalder was Superior about 
1869. There is nothing special to record during these years. 
The church-work was carried on at home by several of the 
Fathers, while others were out on the missions on Sundays 
and holidays, and whenever duty called them. 



FATHER ENDERS RETURNS. 



In 1870 or 1871, Father Enders was returned to Cone- 
wago as Superior. He was then beginning to suffer Irom the 
infirmities of increasing years, especially from an ulcerous 
sore on his leg, which caused him great pain to the end of his 
life. Though getting old in years, his mind and energy were 
as vigorous as in former days, and he began the work of 
church improvement at Conewago with his characteristic ear- 
nestness. In 1873, he had the old cupola removed and the 
present attractive spire erected. It is 80 feet in height from 
the comb of the roof, and is surmounted by a beautiful gilt 
cross, that can be seen for many miles around. The builder 
was Elias Roth, of New Oxford. From the upper windows 
of the spire a wide view of the country may be obtained. — 
Many of the neighboring towns are visible, and the country 
extending into Maryland and along the mountains to the 
north and west. On a clear day late in the fall, Father Den- 
eckere was sure he could see some of the Mt. St. Mary build- 
ings. He had a small telescope, and took great pleasure in 
viewing the valley from this high ground. 

Father Enders made many improvements around the 
church. He built the two school houses, one on each side of 
the churchyard, when he was here the first time, and had the 
iron railing erected. He also enlarged the kitchen buildings, 
had the water brought up from a spring at the bottom of the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 75 

hill, and put hot and cold water through the house, supplied 
from a large tank on the kitchen attic. The water was first 
forced up by hydraulic pressure, then by a system of water 
works, and now by a patent wind mill, which also grinds the 
mill feed and saws the wood. He planted a large vineyard 
after his return, and made great quantities of wine. Father 
Enders hardly knew an idle moment. 

From the time the church was enlarged by Father En- 
ders, he never gave up the thought of one day erecting in 
Conewago Chapel a marble altar. The cluu'ch was otherwise 
a model of architectural beauty, but in this particular there 
was a noticeable want. This last object of his life was accom- 
plished in 1877, when he himself went around through the 
parish soliciting contributions towards its payment. It is a 
beautiful j)iece of art and workmanship, and cost about $2000. 
The contractor was John Earth, Bel Air Avenue Marble 
Works, Baltimore, at one time a marble cutter in one of 
the school houses at Conewago. Its architecture corresponds 
with that of the church, being of the Romanesque or Com- 
posite order. The altar is seventeen feet in width, and thir- 
teen and a half feet in height. The ante-pentium is formed in 
a crypt, supported by four columns. The marble used is 
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Tyrolese. and in its combi- 
nation taste and skill have brought out the work in all its 
grandeur. The Tabernacle is of Carrara mai-l)le, with col- 
umns copied from those found at the ruins of Palmyra. At 
each end of the altar there is a pedestal, surmounted with a 
capital, having on its face the head of a cherub, and on each 
side of the Tabernacle is placed a worshiping angel. 

At this period, Father Enders had a new roof put on the 
church, the pews repainted, and statues placed in the niches 
in the walls, vacant since the building of the new part. SS. 
Ignatius and Aloysius are on the side of the Blessed Virgin's 
altar, and St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Claver on St. 
Francis' side. The church was also re-painted about 1880, 
and the outside walls repaired by pointing, to keep out the 



76 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

rain which had begun to show through on the inside and dam- 
aged the paintings. 

Father Enders was assisted principally by Fathers Den- 
eckere and Manns up to 1880. Father Deneckere attended 
Paradise, Oxford and Littlestown until his death, Jan. 8th, 

1879. Father Manns attended the schools, the Sisters in Mc- 
Sherrystown and St. Joseph's Church, Hanover. Father 
Emig took charge of the Hanover church sometime before 

1880, and is still its pastor. F'ather George Villiger succeeded 
Father Deneckere at Littlestown in 1879. He died at Cone- 
wago Sept. 20th, 1882. and was succeeded by Father Renaut; 
shortly after that the Littlestown church, founded by Father 
Pellentz and Gallitzin, was given over to the Bishop of the 
Diocese. 

. In 1880, Rev. Peter Flannigan was at Conewago, and 
Father Archambault attended Oxford and Paradise : Father 
Richards is now pastor of these places. Fathers Jamieson, 
Casey, Dufour, and others, were at Conewago for a short 
time about 1880 and after. 

The crowning point in the religious life of Rev. Joseph 
Enders, was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his 
priesthood, at Conewago, Aug. 15th, 1881. He himself was 
the celebrant of a Grand High Mass, with Father Casey as 
Deacon, Father Bi-ennan Sub-Deacon, Father Archambault 
orator, and Father Emig master of ceremonies. The church 
was filled even to the aisles. The altar was specially decor- 
ated for the occasion, and the music prepared for the same. 
It was a happy day for all, and Father Enders received a 
number of presents to commemorate his golden jubilee, be- 
sides the congratulations and well wishes of thousands of his 
loving children. He was right feeble then already, and had 
to be supported by a chair on which to rest his afflicted leg, 
and more or less attended by the Brother while on the altar. 
He went to the hospital several times, but could only obtain 
temporary relief He continued to say Mass to the last, 
though the book and everything had to be arranged for him. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 77 

He was removed to Frederick in Feb., 1884, where his 
dechiiing days could be made more easy. He could not 
reconcile himself to the change, except in obedience and 
resignation which he had followed all his life ; Init his nature 
wanted active work and duty to which it was accustomed I)}' 
years of labor. He complained that now he was of no use, 
and seemed ready and willing to be dismissed in peace like 
the servant of old. He died at the ^[ovitiate, Fredei'ick, 
Sept. 10th, 1884, in his 77th year, full of merits and good 
works. To the last his thoughts were of his old home at 
Conewago, where he hoped to die and be Ijuried, but alas ! 
the measure of his reliance upon the will of Ood had to be 
full. Conewago ! Conevvago ! you have lost the l;)est of 
Fathers, who only lived for (lod and His children. Gratitude 
should have promjjted you to have gone to the very gates of 
the kSociety and begged the remains of your faithful Superior, 
carried them home like bereaved sons and daughters as you 
ai-e, deposited them where his feet loved to stand, and kept 
liis Vii'e and virtues in grateful remembrance, unto succeeding 
generations. 

Father P. Forhan succeeded Father Enders as Superior 
of Conevvago in Jime, 1883. He came from Frederick, and 
was stationed at Washington, Baltimore, and other places in 
Maryland during his former ministry. He is assisted at 
Conewago by Fathers Manns and Haugh; Father Richards at 
New Oxford and Paradise ; Father Emig at Hanover. 

Here we leave tf.e Conewago Chapel history. It might 
have been much fuller hnd we not been compelled to write 
it while conducting other business, and away from Conewago ; 
or had there been suflicient interest elsewhere to aid us in the 
work. Sketches of the Fathers, and scraps of local history 
which the want of time prevented a record in their proper 
place, will be given hereafter just as they come. 

Farewell, Conewago, farewell ! The happiest joys of 
my life and its saddest sorrows and vainest regrets are in 
thy keeping. Every foot of thy hills and valleys and streams 



78 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

is familiar to me, and they change not, but the scenes of my 
childhood are gone, and its associates scattered like the mists 
of youth. Ever}' nook and corner of thy sacred place have 
I hunted over by day with miser care for some scrap of the 
past, and dreamed by night of treasures of hidden lore, and 
behold the meagre fruits of my labor ! Time guards well 
tlie trusts confided to its care. 

Conewago, farewell ! Thy happy days and sorrowful 
chase each other in troubled hurry over the pathway of 
memory. Friends and dear ones have come and gone in 
faithful trust, true and lasting, where recreant hopes long 
since have perished and lie buried in misery and anguish of 
heart. The past has nothing in common with the present ; 
the one knew no care ; the other knows no quiet rest free 
like then from trouble. Where are the bright sunny days of 
school life, the happy faces and innocent enjoyments, the 
kind teachers and dear old Fathers ? Look back and see 
sorrow mingled with gladness : the sad tolling of the bell, 
the moui'uful funeral procession winding its way around the 
hill ; again joyful peals where sorrow echoed still ; happy 
souls united where festive throngs made merry ; Christmas 
chimes and Easter carols ; tears to-day and smiles to-mor- 
row, and forgotten scenes hurry on each passing hour. Why 
look back or why peer forward ? Has not life been alwa3'S 
thus? 

Then farewell, once more, but before we part, heed my 
words generations yet unborn. Conewago has been as dear 
to us as will ever be to you or was to those before. It is 
not ours, nor yours, nor was it theirs. It is blessed by every 
sacred tie from Heaven, and as a religious inheritance guard 
it well, for others are destined here to find their rest. Holy 
and venerable is the place. Our footsteps follow the traces 
of hallowed lives, unworthy as we are. Soon we, too, will 
have passed awa}^ and our children come and go until in 
G-od's own good time the angel's voice soimd here below. 
Ye shepherds, while your flocks abide, watch the old building 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. . . 79 

with an anxious care. " Guard it as best you uiay, and at 
aiuj cost from evei-y influence of dilapidation. Count its 
stones as you would jewels of a crown ; set watches about it 
as if at the gates of a besieged city ; bind it together with 
iron where it loosens ; stay it with tiiTiber where it declines ; 
do not care about the unsightliness of tlie aid ; better a 
crutch than a lost limb ; and do this tenderl}^ and reverently, 
and continually, and many a generation will still be born 
and pass away beneath its shadow." 



EDUCATION AT CONEWAGO. 



The first schools in the Valley like those through the 
county, were mostly private or subscription schools. The 
missionary Fathers combined the primary education of the 
children with their religious instruction, which was never 
neglected wlien it could in any way possible be provided. 
The religious instructicm of the children continued to be a 
part of the ministry until late years, when Sunday-schools 
and parochial schools relieved the priests to a great extent 
of that labor. Catechism is now -taught in the schools, and 
one of the P'athers visits them once or twice a week to give 
catechetical instructions and to prepare the children finally 
for Confirmati(m and Communion. 

Very little is known of the early educational interests 
of Conewago. Joseph Heront taught a school near the 
Pigeon Hills l)efore LSOO, where afterwards the Sulpitian 
Seminary was located. Colleges were just then being estab- 
lished, and he ma^^ have had a preparatory course in the 
higher l)ranches, or for the young men of the Valley whose 



80 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

parents wei-e in good circumstances and who desired to give 
their sons all the educational advantages then possible, for 
they were limited compared to what they are now. Father 
Brosius taught a school at Conewago about the period of 
1800, but o(* what nature or how long kept up, we do not 
know. There were schools at the church then, taught some- 
times by the Fathers and at others by a lay teacher or a 
Brother, up to the time when the parochial schools were 
started. When Father Deneckere first came to Conewago 
he established a school in which the higher branches were 
taught, something in the order of a preparatory school for 
those who might have a vocation for tlie priesthood. This 
school was taught by himself with the assistance of a Mr. 
Gross. In 1868 or 1870, Father Deneckere started another 
preparatory school in the school houses then standing in the 
churchyard, and one of which has since gone to ruin and 
been removed. He had as high as eighteen scholars at that 
time, and kept it up until a while before his death. There 
are several of his students now novices in the Society. 
During Father Bellwalder's Superiorship, Ed. S. Reily, Esq., ' 
taught a select school at the church ; he also gave lessons in 
algebra and mathematics to Father Deneckere's scholars. 
David Smith, Esq., taught a winter school at the church for 
several years after Father Deneckere's death. For some 
years satisfactory arrangements have been made with the 
Directors of the Free Schools in the parish, by which compe- 
tent Catholic teachers were employed and the larger scholars 
sent there. The Free Schools, generally, had only a few 
scholars of their own, and in some instances they were 
willing to provide a Catholic teacher and pay him out of the 
school taxes, of which the Catholics contributed almost the 
entii'c amount, besides keeping up their parochial schools. 
This arrangement was allowed by the Fathers only for the 
larger boys, — the girls and smaller boys attending the paro- 
chial schools. 

In Ii-ishtown there is a Catholic school building and 



CATHOLIC LOCAL IILSTORY. 81 

churcli combined, called St. Peter CanLsius, Iniilt in 180cS. 
Mass is occasional^ said there. Francis Noel taught the 
school for a number of years, and was succeeded by Mr. 
Topper. 

A Catholic School was established at Mt. Rock a number 
of years ago, a frame building having been erected on the 
free school lot above the hill. Miss J. M. O'Neill tauirht 
there. A stone church l)uilding and school house was erected 
in 1869, on the second hill west of Mt. Rock, on land given 
by Charles Smith, and called St. Charles. Miss O'Neill 
taught here awhile and was succeeded by the Sisters from 
McSherrystown, who are the present teachers. These schools 
have a large number of pupils. The parochial schools were 
started wlien Rev. Burchard Villiger was Superior. Father 
Manns was the leading spirit in the Catliolic School question 
for a number of years, and gave religious instructions in them 
once or twice a week. About 1800, Mass was said in a 
[)rivate house at Whitestown, along the H. & O. R. R., now 
discontinued. In. the last few years steps were being taken 
to build a school house at Flatbush, between Littlestown and 
Bonneauville. 

The Sisters of Charity were established in McSherrys- 
town, by a Board of Trustees, in 1834. They arrived June 
20th, and opened their school that month. They were from 
St. Joseph's, Emmettsburg, and the School was dedicated to 
St. John the Baptist. Sisters Anne and Agnes were the two 
first Sisters. They met with such success that application 
was made to Rev. Mr. Hickey, then Superior of the Sisters 
of Charity, for more assistance, and Sister Mary Cecilia was 
gent to aid them. After that four or five Sisters were 
employed. Their house became too small for the increasing 
numl)er of scholars and boarders ; an unfmished house was 
purchased from Mr. Slagle for $2200, and their work con- 
tinued, until the academy building was destroyed by fire in 
1840. The house was rebuilt by the trustees and sold with 



82 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

five acres of ground to a branch of the Ladies of the Sacred 
Heart, by whom it was enlarged and successfuUj^ conducted 
until 1851, when they left and located at Eden Hall. The 
Sisters of St. Joseph then purchased the house and lands, 
and the institution received permanent life and success. 
They were incorporated Aug. 31st, 1854, under the title of 
the McSherrjstown Novitiate and Academy of St. Joseph. 
They have made many improvements and purchased several 
additional tracts of land. It was managed for a number of 
years by Mother Mary Magdalene, who died Aug. 22d, 1876, 
and was buried on the 25th, — Bishop Shanahan and eight 
priests attending. She was succeeded by Mother Ignatius, 
who is raising the standard of the institution in every way, 
enlarging the scope of its work and making such additions 
to the buildings and property as necessity demands. Their 
objects are educational and charitable ; the reception of 
Novices, the education of young ladies, teaching, visiting the 
sick, and the care of orphans. 

Since the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Shanahan, 
St. Joseph's Convent has become the Mother House for the 
Sisters of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Harrisburg. It was 
formerly a branch of Chestnut Hill. A large number of 
Sisters are employed here in the various departments of the 
Sisterhood. Several of the Sisters reside at Hanover and 
teach the parish school at that place. Others teach the Mt. 
Rock and McSherrystown parochial scliools. The boarding- 
school at the academy is conducted by the best teachers in 
all the higher branches. A department for the instruction 
of the blind has been provided, under an experienced mem- 
ber of the community. 

The school is furnished with all the facilities for educa- 
tional purposes. It is located in the Valley of the Cone- 
wago, well known for its landscape beauty and healthfiilness. 
The buildings are large and roomy, and the grounds laid out 
in walks, yards, and orchards. The land is farmed and used 
for dairy purposes, thus providing the best products of farm. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 83 

garden and dairy for their own maintenance. 

The want of additional bnildings was felt several years 
ago, and efforts were made to erect them. The chapel was 
too small for the community itself, yet many of the old and 
inhrm people of McSherrystown were accustomed to hear 
Mass at the Convent. A priest from Conewago Chapel says 
Mass every morning for the Sisters. The erection of the 
new building was begun in May, 1883, and completed in 
May, 1884. It adjoins and communicates by a two-story 
corridor with the Convent proper, and covers a site 55xG5 
feet, three stories and attic in height, with pointed turrets. 
The architecture is of the senu-Gothic, and was designed by 
Mr. J. A. Dempwolf, of York, Pa. The building is entirely 
devoted to the work of education, and the accommodation 
of the pupils. The rooms are well ventilated and thoroughly 
heated throughout. The study-hall, dormitories and recrea- 
tion halls are spacious, and furnished with every appliance 
for the health, comfort and convenience of the pupils. The 
Convent property includes thirty-four acres of ground. The 
recreation grounds of the Academy are extensive, and con- 
sist of a fine lawn, walks and groves. The property known 
as Capt. Brogunier's lot was purchased in Jul}^ 1880, at a 
cost of $1246 ; and the Grinter lot was bought in June, 1884, 
for $3000. The cost of building the Academy, exclusive of 
expenses for drainage, paving walks and such improvements, 
is $12000. This does not include the valuation of the 
original buildings, just the cost of late improvements. New 
day-school buildings have also l)een erected. 

Conewago has not given many sons t<^ the church, but 
her daughters in religion are numerous. Of those born at 
Conewago who became priests, we can only name Bishop 
Timon, Fathers Shanefelter, Shorb, Miller, Sullivan, Marshall 
(I think,) two of the Lillys, and Brothers Bimbaugh, Mar- 
shall and Gulden. There may be a few others. It is 
impossible to name all the Sisters. McSherrystown received 



84 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

quite a iiuniber, and many made their profession elsewhere. 
The Fathers at Conewago were instrumental in man}^ of them 
being able to carry out their intentions of becoming religious, 
for there were in some instances great obstacles to overcome. 
In the correspondence of the Fathers, the most touching 
tributes of gratitude come f]"om such of their spiritual 
children who have been counseled and assisted by them in the 
direction of a religious life. Happy souls ! 



THE " SEMINARY FARM." 



The Sulpitian Seminar}^ at the Pigeon Hills has a very 
important connection with the Catholic Church in the eastern 
provinces. Many eminent bishops and priests studied at the 
Pigeon Hills and spent their vacations there. Its history, 
like that of other old land marks of the church, is lost, and 
we can only give a general sketch of it as a religious institu' 
tion. The place is at the foot of Pigeon Hills, in Oxford 
Township, about five miles north of Hanover, and still goes 
by the name of the " Seminary Farm." The land was 
originally taken up by warrant from the proprietaries of 
Pennsylvania, issued July 2(3th, 1750, to Henry Gearnhart, 
(or Kingheart, illegible in old deed,) and descended to the 
Lorimores. It contained about 273 acres, and was conveyed 
to Joseph Heront, April 4th, 1794, for one thousand pounds, 
gold and silver, which would seem to have been a very high 
price. He improved the property, opened a select school 
and called it " Herontford." To this day, Joseph Heront is 
spoken of b}^ the older people of the Valley as a monk and 
a priest, but we are not sure that he was either. Father II. 
F. Grillin, one of the oldest Sul[)itian priests living, informs 
us that Mr. Harent, or Heront as spelled in the old deeds, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY. 85 

was an exile from France during the first French Revolution, 
and that he was a private gentleman, but may have studied 
for the priesthood after he left Pigeon Hills. The Laity's 
Directory of 1822, records the death of a Rev. Joseph 
Heront in 1817, in the Island of Martinique. This may 
have been "the monk of Heront ford," as he certainly was, 
from what we can learn, a very intelligent, seclusive and 
pious man. Local tra<lition says he sailed for France, his 
native land, and died on the way. His name is last men- 
tioned in the deeds about 1810. 

John Tessier inherited " Herontford " by the last will and 
testamerit of Joseph Heront, recorded in the office of the 
Register of Wills for Baltimore County, liber W B, No. K, 
folio 419. Father Griffin thinks Mr. Heront was not related 
to Mr. Tessier, but bequeathed his farm to the Sulpitians on 
condition tliat they should pay some outstanding debts. The 
lands of Nicholas Bittinger, James McTaggart and Frederick 
Myers, adjoined the Heront property. Frederick Myers was 
the grandfather of Rev. Father Myers, dec'd, of pious 
memory in the Diocese of Baltimore. It was through 
Josepli Heront, and by his means, that Father Myers became 
a priest. 

On the Feast of the Assu.mption, 1806, the Abbe 
Dillet, a Sulpitian, founded at Pigeon Hills "a college 
intended to give a religious education to boys, whose piety 
and qualities seemed to show a decided vocation for the 
priesthood." Pupils were received on the recommendation 
of their confessor. Conewago furnished some of the students. 
The Sulpitians had a Seminary in Baltimore, St. Mary's, 
founded in 1791, and Pigeon Hills was the preparator}^ 
school for this Seminary. About 1807 or 1809, Rev. John 
Dubois founded St. Mary's College, Finmettsburg. In the 
spring of 1809. sixteen scholars w^ere transferred from Pigeon 
Hills to the Mountain School. 

June 3d, 1830, the " Seminary Farm " was conveyed 
by deed from John Tessier, president of St. Mary's, Balti- 



86 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

more, to Lewis Regis Deluol, his successor. He also came 
in possession of an adjoining tract, the deed of which he 
obtained from Thomas C. Miller, Sheriff" of Adams Co. This 
latter tract was no doubt the property of Francis Marshall, 
who was very intimate with Father Deluol, and whose history 
is not very plain. Father Grriffin knew him well, and thinks 
he was of German origin more than French, probably from 
Alsace. His name is signed to various old deeds and con- 
veyances, and he wrote it " Franz Marschall." He was no 
relation to the Marshalls of Conewago, as far as we can 
learn, and most likely came to the place through some of the 
priests who were from his own country. In their old age, 
through the mismanagement of one of their children, mis- 
fortune overtook them. The farm was sold and bought by 
the Seminary. Father Deluol allowed the old couple to live 
on it as their own till the day of their death. There were 
several other old families of Marshalls, of which Francis and 
Joseph were descendants. They were doubtless French 
people, and may have come to that vicinity with the Noels 
and Dellones, who settled there from France abont the 
beginning of the 1700 era. There was a Father Marshall, a 
Brother and a Sister Marshall, but to what family they 
belonged we are not informed. Francis X. Marshall was 
educated at Mt. St. Mary's, and ordained at the Dominican 
Convent, Perry Co., Ohio, A. D. 1824 or 1825. Father 
Griffin was present at his ordination and served his Mass. 
He afterward retmrned to Maryland, and was stationed in 
Alleghany County. 

Father Deluol fixed up the Seminary property as a 
retreat for students during vacation. There was a fine cha[)el 
there and buildings for the students ; with large gardens and 
orchards. The premises were laid out in walks and lawns, 
and everything made attractive and inviting. The students 
had good times there, and like boys will be, made things 
livel}^ in the neighborhood. Mr. Peter O'Neill, then at the 
Conewago Chapel, did the hauling back and forward and 



CATHOLIC LOCAL lUSTORY. 87 

lived at the Seminary awhile. He was their friend and 
helped them in their pranks and nmusements, or ont of them 
rather, hy fixing up things when anything was wrong or 
complaints made. It continued to he used by tlie students 
in the sunnner until 1849, (so generally given,) when St. 
Charles College took its place. The deed from Leather 
Deluol to Henry Eichelberger is dated 1847. Once every 
year, on St. Ignatius Da}', the services at Conewago were 
conducted by the priests and the students from the vSeminary, 
wlio would march over to the Chapel in grand procession. 
Many men, afterwards distinguished ecclesiastics in the 
Catholic Church, visited the Seminary and Conewago at that 
time. Father O'Brien was Prefect of tlie Seminarians. 
Father Chance, Professor and afterwards President of St. 
Mary's, gave lectures to the students dui'ing vacation. Father 
l*]lder, successor of Rev. Chance as Bishop of Natchez, and 
other priests, made their retreat at the Seminary. Father 
Eccleston was there, afterwards Bishop of Baltimore. 

When the Reign of Terror drove the Trapi)ist Monks 
from their native land, they resolved to seek an asylum in 
America. A party of them, eight or ten priests and nearly 
twenty lay brothers, under the guidance of Father Urban 
Guillet, embarked at Amsterdam, May 29th, 1803, for 
Baltimore. They proceeded to Pigeon Hills, and remained 
about a year, going from there first to Kentucky, then to 
Missouri, and other places, finally we believe returning to 
their native country, though there are several monasteries of 
that order now in America. While at Pigeon Hills they 
dug the well on the " Seminary Farm." The traditional idea 
that Joseph Heront was " a monk," very hkely comes from 
his association with these Trappists. It is to be regretted 
that this place, so dear to the memory of the church, was 
allowed to come into the possession of strangers. A railroad 
runs near it now, (through one of the fields, we believe,) on 
to Abbottstown and Berlin, and it is a valuable property. 



88 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

The students to whom it was once a dear home, would know 
it no more. It was the Iiome of the exile and the sacred 
enclosure of the religious ; what is now a common farm- 
house was once the temple of the Lord, where the Holy 
Sacrifice of the Mass was daily offered. Alas ! how Time 
leaves ever}' barrier l)roken down in its way. 



THE PARADISE CHURCH. 



The Catholic Church, at first called Brandt's Chapel or 
Pigeon Hills, in Paradise Township, York Co., about one 
mile north of Abbottstown, has a very interesting history, 
but much confused. Exercising even the best judgment, it 
would be difficult to give a clear sketch of the church. — 
Here we passed nine years of our childhood, and are as well 
acquainted with the parish as at Conewago. In the settle- 
ment of the country at an early date, several French, a few 
Irish and a number of German Catholic families located near 
the Pigeon Hills, around Abbottstown and towards East Ber- 
lin. At one time the church was right flourishing in num- 
bers, but later on many families removed to Conewago and 
elsewhere. The early Catholics attended church at Conewa- 
go Chapel. 

Probably the first Mass said in the neighborhood was at 
Abbottstown, by Father I)e Barth, in the beginning of the 
present century. Mass was occasionally said in the house of 
Wm. Jenkins, a prominent Catholic of that place. The Jen- 
kinses were probably a Maryland family, but not related to 
those at Conewago. There are few descendants of the fami- 
ly ; none that we know. One son died about forty years 
ago, and is buried at Paradise Church. One of the Keilys 
living in the West married a daughter of Wm. Jenkins, and 
one of the sons of l^aron de Beelen married another. The 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 89 

Wises wore among the oldest Catholic lamilies ; the property 
now owned and occupied b}^ the Clunks was tlieir homestead, 
and there Mass was said at stated times. This might have 
been al)Out the j)eriod of 1800. 

Among the first Goshenhoppen settlers was the Brandt 
ancestry from Germany. From there Frederick Brandt re- 
moved to near Abbottstown. but at what date we have been 
unable to discover. His tract of land, now the Paradise 
church property, is called " Brandtsburg " in the patent from 
the Conimonwealth, a full title to which he obtained June 
28th, 1809. The same tract had been granted by warrant 
from the Proprietaries to Matthias Bonze r, dated Oct. 28th, 
1740. Frederick Brandt })aid $400.73 into the Treasury of 
the State, which with the moneys paid by Matthias Bouzer, 
gave him a clear title to the land. The original grant was 
bounded .by lands of John Abl)ott. Nicholas Bittinger, Wm. 
Mummert, John Jacobs, Wardle Kexer, and contained 235 
acres, 87 pei'clies, and allowance of per cent, for roads. 

Frederick l^randt was an intelligent and industrious man, 
and a -good Catholic. He had no children, and no relatives 
on his side according to li^s will. Mrs. Brandt's maiden name 
was Keens ; she had two brothers, John and Jacob, and her 
sisters were Catharine Dellone, Eve Heidler, and Magdalene, 
whose married name we do not know, l)ut the grandmother 
of Gregory Dellone's wife. Frederick Brandt built the house 
now on the church farm ; part of it was used for a chapel be- 
fore his death and after, until the stone church was built 
about 1844. Bi-andt's mill was one of the first in that neigh- 
borhood ; the site and old water courses are yet to be seen. 
Frederick Dellone hauled the stones for the mill when he 
was eigteen years old. Fathers DeBarth and Lekeu and 
their assistants attended the Paradise Catholics from time 
to time. 

Frederick Brandt made his will Feb, 9th, 1815, "being 
of advancing age." He left his personal property to his wife, 
with whose •' advice and consent '" he (letermin.ed to appro- 



90 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

priate his real estate for the benetit of his reUgioii and his 
country ; "for as God has not blessed us with any offspring, 
and our brothers' and sisters' children being A^ery numerous, 
the said estate could be of very little use to them if equally 
divided among all, and to favor some more than others would 
naturally produce jealousy and perhaps enmity." Therefore 
he bequeathed his dwelling, plantation and mills, and a five 
acre tract lately purchased of Clement Steuthabeker, to his 
wife during her life or widowhood, and after her death 
then the same to Rev. Francis Neale of Georgetown College, 
" his heirs and assigns for ever, in fee simple, in order to es- 
tablish thereon as soon as convenient a school or seminary, or 
any other house of education for the purpose of bringing up 
3^outh in useful literature and christian piety ; " or if more 
advisable, for a school or Noviceship for the reception of 
young men destined for the ministi-y of the Gosi)el in the 
Roman Catholic Church. He desired the property to be 
used for such purposes and no other, 'and that it be never 
sold, mortgaged or alienated in any manner, either in whole 
or in part, for debt, security, or any other reason." He then 
provided that two boys, the preference to be given to those 
of relations, be educated either at the school to be established 
there or at Georgetown, out of the revenue from the farm, ex- 
clusively for the priesthood, and thus always to have two 
boys provided for. The entire purpose of his will seems to 
have been twofold, first the education of youth for tlic minis- 
try, and after that the performance of worship on the said 
plantation. The executors were Michael Dellone, Wm. 
Jenkins and the testator's wife. Witnesses, Franz Marschall, 
Michael Strausbaugh and John Brieglmer, Recorded in York, 
Jacob Barnitz, Register. There is a codicil dated Jan. 26th, 
1820, in which he l)equeaths to Rev. Francis Neale a five acre 
lot purchased of Isaac Latschaw, and appoints James Mc- 
Sherry Executor in place of Wm. Jenkins, dec'd. John L. 
Gubernator wrote the will. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 91 

After the death of Frederick Brandt, the widow man- 
aged the farm, and priests from Conewago kept up rehgious 
service in the chapel of the house. She made her will Oct. 
20th, 1829, in favor of Rev. Francis Neal and Rev. Francis 
Dzicrozynski, in accordance with the will of her husband. 
She had a schedule of articles excepted, signed by Rev. Mat- 
thew Lekeu, who on behalf of the devisees agreed to the 
conditions of the will, which made allowance for her support 
and maintenance on the plantation until her death, March 
9th, 1839, she executed another writing, by which she con- 
veyed to Rev. J. W. Reschter all her household goods and 
schedule of exceptions, for wdiich Rev. Mat, Lekeu was ac- 
countable, and released him from further obligations. In 
this writing, all the articles in the front room and second 
room, which she occupied, were excepted. It is witnessed 
by F. W. Koehler and Jeremiah Harman. The relations of 
Mrs. Brandt w^ere somehow under the impression, whether by 
word or promise, that the $200 worth of goods held by Mat, 
Lekeu were to become the property of Mrs. Heidler after 
Mrs. Brandt's death, but there is no piovision to that effect 
in any of her legal transactions. 

In 1838, Aug. lOth, Rev. Thos, Mulledy and Wm. Mc- 
Sherry, of the District of Columbia, purchased of Magdalene 
Brandt five acres of land for $200 ; Rev. J. W. Beschter, 
witness. This lot had been confirmed by the Commonwealth 
unto George Dresslei', by letters patent, dated Jan. 7th, 1792; 
and sold in 1815 to Michael Dellone and Catharine, (Keens,) 
his wife, who sold to Magdalene Brandt, Sept. 9th, 1828, 
Mrs. Brandt died about 1840 ; the provincial's notice for the 
usual suffrages is dated Oct. 1st, of that year. The relations 
became very much dissatisfied with the provisions of the will. 
Frederick Brandt's will is a plain document, repeatedly ex- 
pressing his demand that religious worship should always be 
maintained on the farm, and that the property should be 
permanently vested in the successors of Father Neale as the 



92 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

legal representatives of the Society of Jesus, and that the 
revenue be exclusively devoted to educational pur[)oses in the 
ministry of the Catholic Church, and the keeping up of the 
property. As far as the establishment of the school is con- 
cerned, there is a provision in case of impossibility to estab- 
lish or maintain one, for a time, but the ultimate object re- 
mains the same. The property is valual^le, well located, with 
good buildings, a new barn having been lately erected, and 
the soil yields good crops. vSome years ago it was almost 
surrounded by dense woodland, but the most of it has now 
been cleared out. The Jesuits, living in communities, can 
not serve this parish with much advantage. There would be 
sufficient income for a resident priest, but for the educational 
provisions, and such a one could build up a prosperous con- 
gregation at Paradise. 

When the disposition of the property was in question after 
the death of Mrs. Brandt, some correspondence was carried 
on between the Society and Bishop Kenrick, who in certain 
events inclined to make a Diocesan Seminary there, but the 
location then was not convenient, there being no railroads 
near, and outside of the establishment of a school lie consid- 
ered as too formidable the gratuitous education of two stud- 
ents. The Society, in October, 1840, through Rev. Francis 
Vespre, expressed a willingness to relinquish its right to the 
property, could any other legal claim be established that 
would insure the carrying out of the will as far as the good 
of religion was concerned. 

Tlie letter from J^ishop Kenrick to Rev. N. Steinbacher, 
authorizing him to bless the new church, is dated Feb. 18th, 
1845. Since the death of Mrs. Brandt tlie Paradise farm has 
been under the management of the Superiors of Conewago, 
who have it farmed. Mr. Allwine was the tenant under 
Father Lekeu, and after him Lewis Will lived there, about 
the time the clmrch was built. Since then it has been oc- 
cupied by the Bradys. Paradise, Littlestown and New 
Oxford formed a charge until recent years, with alternate 



CATHOLTC LOCAL IILSTORY. 9P, 

Sundays at the former and latter places, and on week days 
and certain festivals and odd Sundays at Oxford. Now Par- 
adise and Oxford are attended by Father llicliards, witli 
early Mass and High Mass alternating. The Paradise church 
is a fine stone building, with large yards and graveyard. The 
church was built about 1843 or 4, by Mr. Kemp, contractor. 
Messrs. Frederick Dellone, Peter Noel, J. J. Kuhn, and others 
solicited subscriptions and aided in the work. Father Manns 
attended about that time, or shortly after the church was 
built. Mary Dellone (of P*eter) had willed money for a bell, 
which was procured, leaving considei-able money over. Fath- 
er Manns insisted that the money was left for a particular 
purpose for which it should be used, so another bell was add- 
ed and two bells were placed on the church. Father 
Beschter was })astor of Paradise several years and died there. 
Fathers Doughert}^ and Cotting attended occasionally while 
having charge of the Gettj^sburg church. Father Steinbacher 
was a true friend to Paradise, and took great interest in the 
congregation, and so did Father Deneckere after liim. who 
served from about 18(50 to his death, when Fatlier Archam- 
bault succeeded him. Fathers Sacchi and Mlliger were 
there for some time about 1850, and other priests from Con- 
ewago, as best suited the arrangements of the Superiors, 
Father Deneckere started a summer school there, taught l)y 
Misses Shane. Fiidv and others, but the congregation is too 
widely scattered to keep up a parochial school. Couewago 
was the burying place of the Paradise church for many years. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Hair is said to have been the fu'st person 
l)uried at Paradise. As lar as we know, no priests have 
been born at Paradise, though Fabian and Michael Noel and 
F. X. Brady, of Father Deneckere's school, are now novices 
in the Society, and Jos. Strubinger died a Seminarian at 
l^^rederick some j-ears ago. A numl)er of young girls have 
become Sisters. Catharine Dellone (Sister Ann), daughter 
of Fred. Dellone, went to be a Sister Dec. 5th, 1849, at Em- 
mettsburg, and died July 16th, 1851, at Cincinnati, where 



94 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

she was buried. Henrietta Wise, in religion Sister Bona, 
and two Misses Kuhn, probably of the Berlin family, became 
Sisters ; also, Minnie Koehler (Sister John the Baptist), Sa- 
lome Noel (Sister Josepha), and Annie Brady (Sister Francis) ; 
the latter three took the veil at McSherrystown. Mary 
Shane also became a Sister. 

After the death of Mrs. Brandt, Paradise was disturbed 
and excited by mysterious noises and appearances, that were 
attributed to supernatural agencies. The Brandt will matter 
was assigned as the cause of such unusual happenings, and it 
excited a great deal of interest. Mrs. Brandt's figure in life 
was well known to every person in the parish,— -a little, old 
woman, bent under the weight of years, and after her death 
imagination only needed a ghost story to set it in active work. 
There is no doubt, liovvever, that there was room for serious 
thought, and it was so considered by the priests. The mys- 
terious actions were mostly confined to an old cupboard in 
the priest's room, — which served as a sacristy, — in which the 
vestments were kept. Father Steinbacher was a man of de- 
termined purpose, but failed to account tor the disturbances 
by which he was troubled. At night he would call Mr. Will 
into his room, and stay together part of the night without 
hearing the least alarm, but as soon as he was alone the trou- 
bles were renewed. Mrs. Will, who then waited upon the 
priests and took care of the rooms, assures us that Father 
Steinbacher subjected himself to rigorous fasting and contin- 
ual prayers, until his health began to sufier and he was taken 
away. Father Deneckere came soon after him, and made in- 
quiry into the Brandt will attair. He then started a school 
at Conewago, in which he placed boys from Paradise, and 
besides he applied some of the revenues of the Paradise farm 
to the education of young men for the ministry. ?>om his 
time on nothing more was heard of the disturbances. The 
old cupboard was placed in a rear cellar of the house where 
it yet stands or has decayed, hke all else ever connected with 
it. Perhaps this account would have rested as well with the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 95 

past, but the recital of such facts, attested by people of good 
character and reputation still living, can do no liarni. The 
church daily asks for eternal rest unto the dead. 

We say on page 89, that Mrs. Brandt had three sisters, 
and name one Magdalene ; that is a mistake. ' Her own nanie 
was Magdalene. The third sister's name we are not able to 
give. Most of tlie fainihes mentioned were intermarried, and 
it is almost impossible to trace the names and connections of 
a century ago. Also on page 91, the date of the purchase of 
the five acre lot from Mrs. Brandt 1)y Fathers Mulledy and 
McSherry is given in some of the Hrst pages printed as 1848. 
when it should be 1888 where not so. 



THE LITTLESTOWX CIIURCII. 



Littlestown is one of the oldest of the Conewago mis- 
sions. The (irst Catholics in the valley around Littlestown. 
attended services at Conewago Chapel, but were ju'ovided 
with a place of divine worship at an early period, they being 
the oldest rehgious congregation in the town. Erdman's 
Geography and History of America, published in Germany 
at the close of the last century, notes the existence of a Cath- 
olic Church at Littlestown; and so the Boston "American 
Gazetteer'' of 1797. The Fathers at Conewago, beginning 
with Fathers Pellentz and Gallitzin before 1800, attended 
the Catholics at Littlestown, and the church was supplied 
from that place until the fall of 1884 or spring of 1885, 
when it was given over to the charge of the Bishop of the 
Diocese of Harrisburg. The first priest under the Bishop 
was Father Gormerly, then stationed at Bonneauville, which 
two parishes were intended to be combined ; but both de- 
siring resident pastors, Father Crotty, of Columliia, became 
the first pastor under the secular administration. 



96 CONEWAGO-^A COLLECTION OF 

The first building used as a church, was situated on the 
northern corner of the ]ot, afterwards used as a burial 
ground. This building, occupied as a dwelling, was convert- 
ed into a church about the year 1791. The Trustees at that 
time were, Patrick McSherry, Joseph Flauth and Henry 
O'Hara. After the death of Father Pellentz in 1800, 
the Littlestown Church was attended by Fathers DeBarth 
and Lekeu, and their assistants. The present brick church 
was built in 1840, Michael Dougherty, S. J., being pastor ^ 
and the trustees were, Henry Spalding, John Shorl), James 
McSherry, Jacob Rider, Dr. J. A. Shorb, Jacob Baumgard- 
ner, Joseph Fink and Joseph Riddleraoser. The old fr-ame 
weatherboarded church was sold to Joseph Aker, Sr., and 
turned into a house on the Littlestown and Tane\^town road. 

From that period there was a succession of pastors from 
the Conewa.go Fathers, among others Fathers Joseph Dietz, 
F. X. Deneckere, George Villiger, Peter Manns, Father Kei- 
ter. Father Deneckere attended Littlestown for nearly 
twenty years, and died there Jan. 8th, 1879. Father Villi- 
ger succeeded him, dying a few years later. Father Ren- 
aut was then assigned to the charge for a short time, and was 
the last pastor attending from the Society. 

A very fine brick school house was erected in 18G7, by 
Rev. Father Deneckere. The first teacher was Miss Mary 
Wilson. She was succeeded by the following teachers : Miss 
Ellen Heath, Joseph Smith, Frank Addelsperger, Miss Mary 
Fink, A. J. Smith. Miss Emma Shorb. The school is largely 
attended, and is under the direction of the pastor of the church. 
The interior of the church is very neat and attractive. The 
congregation seems to be growing slowl}', and is composed 
of a right well-to-do class of people. One of the oldest Cath- 
olic famihes in the town is that of Hon. Wm. McShen-y, the 
name of his father, James, and that of his grandfather, Pat- 
rick, appearing in this record. The Shorbs are also among 
the older families, and there are others, descendants of the 
«arly Catholics. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 97 

The Littlestovvn Catholic congregation was incorporated 
Ijy the Pennsylvania Legislature, April lUth, LS40, under the 
title of "The Congregation of St. Aloysius." The incor- 
porators and trustees were, V. X, Deneckere, S. J., J. A, 
Shorb, Henry Spalding, Joseph Fink, Jacol) .Baumgardner, 
Hon. Wm. McSheri-y, Sebastian O'Bold, Jacob Marshall, 
Andrew Little. 



THE HANOVER CHURCH. 



St. Joseph's Church, Hanover, is one of the most flourish- 
ing congregations connected with Conewago. Hanover being 
a growing town and a local railroad center of considerable 
importance, the church property is a v.aluable addition to the 
Society, and may in course of time l)e further improved by 
the Jesuits. Conewago had on several occasions been select- 
ed as the site of some Jesuit institution and as often abandon- 
ed for want of railroad facilities. Hanover is easy of access 
from any direction, is surrounded by a prosperous agricultu- 
ral conununity, and located in a healthy climate and in a 
beautiful secticm of country. 

At an early date there were a number of Catholic fam- 
ihes, nu)stly Germans, settled in and around TIanover, attend- 
ing church at Conewago Chapel. When Father DeBarth 
came, he exerted himself in every direction to provide places 
of divine worship, around which Catholics would be induced 
to locate and grow u[) into congregations. From about 1822 
to 1826, he said Mass occasionally in a shop oi- old school 
house, on a lot owned by the Jesuits, along the alley east of 
Baltimore Street, now in possession of Luther W'eigle, Wm. 
Grumbine and Henry Trone. Peter O'Neill, living with 
Father DeBarth at that time, remembers accompanying him 
to Hanover on such occasions. Besides, Mr. S. Althoff is in- 
formed by an old gentleman who has hved all his life in Han- 
over, that when a boy, ho, with another lad, found the door 



98 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

of this old building open, and they entered. They found a 
few pennies in a drawer, which they appropriated to their use ; 
and further remembers that there were benches and an altar 
in the old building at the time. 

After that we have no knowledge of Mass being celebra- 
ted in Hanover until about 18G3, when a large room in the 
house of Jacob Hildt, on Carlisle Street, was used for that 
purpose by Father Domperio. Mass was continued to be 
said there and instructions given to the children, until 1864, 
when it became too small and the desire for a regular place 
of worship prompted such action as would secure that need. 
Rev. J. B. Cattani was then Superior of Conewago, to whom 
the trustees of the M. E. Church of Hanover conveyed their 
lot and church building on Baltimore Street, 60 feet front and 
25 feet deep, for $900, in trust for the Catholic congregation. 
Rev. Father Manns became pastor, and services were held on 
the first and third Sundays of the month. He also started a 
Catholic school there, which soon had a large attendance. To 
this Father the Conewago settlement is greatly indebted for 
the establishment and support of parochial schools, under ad- 
verse circumstances and with many obstacles in the way of 
starting them. The first teacher of the Hanover school was 
A. J. Smith, succeeded by Miss Alice Del lone. The Sisters 
from McSherrj^stown took charge of the school in 1873 ; Sis- 
ter Rose, present Mother. School had been kept in the old 
church building for a while ; now i)art of the Sisters' house, 
a fine building between the old and new churches, serves for 
that purpose. The ground occupied by this house and the 
new church, 90 feet front and 257 feet deep, was purchased 
by Father Enders for $4500. 

The congregation gradually grew stronger in numbers. 
In 1865 an addition was made to the church, 35x40 feet, at a 
cost of $2,145. A cupola was also erected, and a bell costing 
$945, and weighing 1834 pounds, placed therein. The church, 
when dedicated, was called St. Joseph's. Then already the 
congregation desired more regular services. In Feb., 1874, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. . 99 

a numerously signed petition was addressed to the Superior 
of Conewago, asking for the regular Sunday service at Han- 
over, 

Rev. Father Manns continued as pastor until 1877. 
During this year, Rev. Father Jamison attended St. Joseph's 
for several months, and delivered lectiires in aid of the new 
church, then proposed to be built. Rev. Father Enders, the 
venerable Superior of Conewago, also ministered to this con- 
gregation every alternate Sunday, during the close of Rev. 
Father Mann's pastorate. Rev.' Father Emig, the present 
incumbent. ' became pastor in the fall of 1877 ; since which 
time the congregation is attended more regularly— there being 
the entire church service on Simdays, and Mass neai'ly every 
morning during the week. 

The old church becoming too small, and being also need- 
ed as a school building, it was concluded to build a more 
creditable place of worship, and to carry on tlie woi'k in ac- 
cordance with the means that could be commanded, so that 
when finished it would also be paid for. This resolution, we 
believe, has been faithfully carried out so far, through the 
great perseverance and energy of the veneralde pastor. 
Father Emig. The building was begun in the spi'ing of 1877. 
The corner-stone was laid Sept. IGth, of that year. There 
were nearly three thousand jjeople present. A procession, 
with St. Joseph's, St. Mary's and St. Patrick's I. C. B. U. 
Societies, of York ; the Citizens' and Spring Garden Bands, 
in line, marched through the principal streets. Father Clarke, 
of Loyola College, Baltimore, delivered the address. The 
Fathers present were : Revs. Enders, Deneckere and Emig, 
of Conewago ; Revs. Clarke, of Baltimore ; Pape, of York ; 
Shanahan, of Bonneauville ; Boll, of Gettysburg ; and Koch, 
of New Freedom. The corner-stone is of marble, with the 
inscription " 1877." The building Committee consisted of 
Rev. Joseph Enders, Chairman ; Joseph Dellone, Vice-Presi- 
dent ; Dr. J. P. Smith, Treasurer; Wm. Overbaugh, Secreta- 

L.ofC 



100 . CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

ry ; Joseph Althoff, John Clunk, Joseph Brockley and Am- 
brose Schmidt. 

Only the foundations were raised in 1877. The build- 
ing was put under roof in 1878, the brick-work of the tower 
erected, and the bell removed from the old belfry into the 
new steeple, which is 154 feet in height. The interior of the 
church w^as partly finished that year. The building is 130x50 
feet, with a neat yard in front and a large rear lot. 

The new St. Joseph's Church was dedicated on All-Saints 
Day, 1880. The Fathers present were : Very Rev. K W. 
Brady, Provincial of the Society of this Province ; Very Rev. 
M. J. McBride, Vicar-General of the Diocese of Harrisburg, 
(Bishop Shanahan being absent in Rome) ; Rev. Louis J. 
McKenna, of York ; Rev. Hugo Magevney, Professor of Sacred 
Eloquence in Woodstock College ; Revs. J. B. DeWoliT, Ed. 
McGurk, Dewitt ; Rev. Joseph Enders. Peter Flanagan and 
Francis Casey, of Conewago Chapel ; and Rev. J. B. Emig, 
pastor of St. Joseph's. Father McBride performed the cere- 
mony of dedication. A Grand High Mass followed; J. B. 
Eniig, Master of Ceremonies ; leather DeWolff, Celebrant ; 
Father Casey, Deacon ; Father Flanagan, Sub-Deacon ; Fath- 
er Magevney preaching a very eloquent dedicatory sermon, 
from the Third Book of Kings, '• Building, I have built a 
house for thy dwelling, to be thy most firm throne forever." 
The choir rendered the Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei, from 
Bollman's Mass ; and at the Otlertory, '' Jn-^tas vt Pahia,^^hy 
Lambilotte. The cost of the building up to its dedication 
was $17,000. The pews are of very fine finish and style, and 
cost $1200. The interior of the church is roomy, and is now 
very attractively finished and furnished. The windows have 
stained glass ; a handsome set of station paintings grace the 
walls ; neat altars for St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin, and a 
fine main altar, with two sacristies. 

A large organ, and other embellishments, make the 
church all that could be desired, and one that will compare 
favorably with the finest in the Diocese. St. Joseph's is the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 101 

crowning work in the life of Father Eniig, a monument to 
his judgment and labor, and a credit to the liberality of the 
congregation. 

The Catholics of Hanover buried at Conewago until 
1875, when a large Catholic Cemetery was laid out on the 
west side of Baltimore Street, adjoining Mt. Olivet. Fonr 
acres were purchased for this purpose in 1875, at a cost of 
1800. 

Dr. J. P. Smith, a very wealthy and prominent Catholic 
of the congregation, died a few years ago, leaving all his 
means to the town for a public libi'ary. At that time Father 
Emig, aged and inHrm, was going almost from house to house 
in his etlbrts to raise the money to build a church. 

Mrs. Mary Smith, nee Dellone, died about the time it 
was proposed to build a new church, for which she left $1000, 
and $700 for Sanctuary purposes. 

St. Joseph's Catholic J^eneficial Society was organized 
Mai'ch 7th, 1882, Charles Losman, President. J. A. Renaut 
succeeded him. The mem1)ership is 5G. --->. 

^illLiaUiiiziibetli Inirnitz, in religion Sister M. Elizabeth, ^^•'^, 



, daughter of Daniel J. and Maria L. I^arnitz, joined the Sisters es. - 
\ of St. Joseph at McSherrystown, in 1875. Anastasia Hair, V^ 
Twister M. Gertrude, daughter of Joseph and Caroline Hair, jf^l 
joined same order in 1874. Elizabeth Hildt, Sister Anacleta, J* \^ 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Hildt, became a religious inl^ ^ ^ 
18()7, with the Sisters of Notre Dame, near Baltimore 
There is another daughter of the same lamily a Sister of 
Charity, received about 1857 or 1858. 



THE XEW OXFORD CHURCH. 



New Oxford is not quite half way between Conewago 
and Paradise, and the Catholics living there belonged to the 
Conewago congregation before they had a church of their 
own. The Conewago Fathers taught catechism in private 



102 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

houses there, long before the church was built. Mr. Jacob 
Martin donated a lot on Carlisle Street for a church, which 
\vas erected thereon in 1852, — Rev. F. X. Deneckere being 
the attending priest. The building is of brick, 75x35 feet in 
size. It was enlarged and improved several years ago. The 
church is under the invocation of the Immaculate Heart of 
Mary. Father Deneckere had charge of the Littlestown and 
Paradise Catholic Churches at the same time, holding services 
at those places on alternate Sundays, and at Oxford only on 
a week day at first and on certain holy-days. Fathers Reiter 
and Cattani also attended New Oxford the few years that 
Father Deneckere was away from Conewago, after which he 
returned and continued his attendance at Oxford until his 
death in 1879. New Oxford and Paradise were then formed 
into a charge under Father Francis Casey, with services on 
alternate Sundays at each place. Father Arthur Archam- 
bault succeeded him, until about 1884. There was a young 
German Father then in attendance for a few months. Father 
Richards is the present pastor. A parochial school was es- 
tablished in 1862, by Father Deneckere. The following are 
the teachers in successive order : Mrs. Trayer, Miss M. J. 
Felix, Joseph Smith, Miss Wager, John F. McSherry, E. G. 
Topper. School was held in the church until 1877, when a 
school building was added. Over one hundred scholars at- 
tend. The church membership is between three and four 
liimdred. 



THE BONNEAUVILLE CHURCH. 



Bonneauville is a small village midway between Cone- 
wago and Gettysburg, and about four miles from Littles- 
town. Among the early settlers of the surrounding country, 
were many Catholics, who then belonged to Conewago. After 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 103 

churches had been built at Littlestown and Gettysburg, some 
attached themselves to those places, but for a number of 
years no strict line divided the congregations, and people 
went to the church nearest and most convenient. An effort 
was made about 1850 to build a church at Bonneauville : the 
undertaking was then thought too great for the Catholics, and 
was not advised by the Bishop or the Conewago Superior. — 
Rev. Basil A. Shorb became the founder of the Church of 
St. Joseph at Bonneauville, the corner-stone of which was 
laid Aug. 1st, 1859. He was born near Littlestown, educat- 
ed at Mt. St. Mai'y's, and ministered to several congregations 
before he chose Bonneauville for his field of labor. He had 
considei'able inheritance, and donated much of it to the 
church work in which he was engaged. It was through him, 
and by this means, that he obtained the necessary encour- 
agement from his Superiors to form a congregation and build 
a church at J^onneauville. He died April 4th, 1871, in his 
sixty-first year and the thirty -first of his ministry. Father 
Pope succeeded him, and built a large bi-ick school-house 
near the church in 1873. Sisters were engaged as teachers 
for a time. A house was purchased for their use, but was 
sold again after they left. The school had a large attend- 
ance. James W. Gubernator taught a short time. Miss M. 
Martin teaches this year. Father Pope's management was 
not as prudent as was demanded by the ordinary circum- 
stances of the congregation. He was enterprising in other 
directions, and succeeded in having a daily mail established, 
changing the old-time name of " l^onaughtown." and that of 
the Postoffice. " Square Corner," to the more modern name 
it now bears. The congregation passed through many trials 
about this period, partly from want of pi'udent management. 
Father Mcllhenny succeeded and was followed by Father 
Shanahan. Father Gormerly is the present pastor. There 
is a fine parsonage adjoining the church, and several lots are 
owned by the congregation. The church belongs to the 
Harrisburg Diocese. In Nov., 1870, a mission was given at 



104 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

St. Joseph's by Fathers Bausch and Kolp, of Boston, during 
which a mission cross was erected on the east side of the 
church. A cemetery was laid out about 1870, with a vault 
in the center for the burial of priests. There rest the remains 
of Rev. Basil A, Shorb, founder and hrst pastor of St. Jos- 
eph's. The churchj'ard served as a burying ground until the 
cemetery was secured, into which most of the bodies were 
then removed. When a bo}^ we served Mass at Bonneau- 
ville, and also at Paradise and Conewago ; we shall never for- 
get the fear entertained for Father Shorb, but in many ways 
he was a kind man, whom the Bonneauville Catholics will 
ever gratefully remember. 



THE GETTYSBURG CHURCH. 



For many years the Catholics in and around Gettysbm^g 
attended divine service at Conewago, a distance of about 
twelve miles. They were few in number in the beginning of 
the present century, and not possessed of much of this world's 
goods, but were devoted to their religion with that character- 
istic devotion of Catholics the world over, which induced them 
to go to Conewago to hear Mass on Sundays and holy days 
of obligation, notwithstanding the distance or inclemency of 
the weather. The erection of the first church building was 
commenced about 1826, on ground given by Jacob Norbeck 
on Washington Street. The church was built under the di- 
rection of the Superiors of Conewago Chapel — first Father 
Louis De Barth, then Father Matthew Lekeu ; though 
it is not certain that Father De Barth vi.vited Gettysburg 
often, as he left Conewago in 1828 for, St. John's (now St. 
Alphonsus') church in Baltimore. The church was not yet 
completed in 1831, for on the 18th of May in that year, dur- 
ing a heavy thunder storm, the church w^as struck by light- 
ning. " The fluid passed down the cupola and the wall of the 
church to the front door, marking its pi'ogress by forming a 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 105 

groove to the ground. A plasterer and several other work- 
men were prostrated, and remained unconi»'cious for some time. 
The congregation at Gettysburg, while it belonged to the 
Jesuits of Conewago, had no mjidar pastor. Conewago had 
many missions to supply— more so then than now — to which 
ministers were sent according to the best convenience and 
judgment of the Superiors. Father Michael Dougherty offi- 
ciated at Gettysburg alternately with P'ather Leckeu, who 
was Superior of Conewago until 1843. After him came 
Father Joseph Dietz, and some of tlie older members re- 
member Fathers Keiidler, Geo. Villiger, V. H. Barber, and 
F. X. Deneckere among the priests who held services in the 
old church at Gettysburg, between 1831 and 1850. The 
new brick church on High street was built under Father J. B. 
Cotting, in 1852. Father Brocard, as Provincial, authorized 
Father Enders, Superior of Conewago, to buikl the Gettys- 
burg church. The agreement between George and Henry 
Chritzman, John Gilbert, (or Gailburt), A. B. Kurtz, David 
Ziegler and Joel B. Danner, and Fathers Enders and Cotting, 
is dated Feb. 10th, 1852. John Martin, Nickolas Codori, 
Joseph Smith and Jacob Case were the Building Committee. 
The contractors were to receive $3870, and the old material. 
Payment was made in full, June 27th, 1853. Up to this 
time the church was under the jurisdiction of the Jesuits, 
who also supplied a small congregation at Millerstown. These 
cliurches were then handed over to the Bishop of Philadel- 
phia, and were formed, with the Mountain Church, into a 
charge — the minister being resident at Gettysburg. The 
congregation was now served in turn by Rev. Messrs. B. A. 
Shorb, L. J. Miller, A. McGinnis, until 1860. Rev. Joseph 
A. Boll became pastor soon after the battle of Gettysburg, 
and as such serves yet. Gettysburg and Fairfield form the 
present charge — the mountain church having been later join- 
ed to the Chambersburg charge — and is imder the jurisdiction 
of the Bishop of Harrisburg. A handsome parsonage was 
built nearly opposite the church in 1870 or 1871, and about 



106 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

three years ago a fine school building was erected. The 
name of the church is St. Francis Xavier's. Father Boll trav- 
eled through Europe and the Holy Land, in 1881 or '82. On 
his return he delivered several lectures on the subject for 
church benefits. Several years later he was appointed to the 
Lebanon church, but shortly after he was returned to Get- 
tysburg again. 



THE "MOUNTAIN CHURCH." 



St. Ignatius' Catholic Church, better known as the 
Mountain Church, is situated in the Buchanan Valley, five 
miles from Graeflenburg, near Mr. Kimple's Mill, on the 
road to Corwell's. It is about ten miles west of Gettysburg, 
in Franklin Twp., Adams Co., almost on the P^'ranklin County 
line. This church was originated by a Mr. Lostetter, who 
gave 150 acres of land, and the money to build a church was 
collected through the adjoining counties. The corner-stone 
was laid Oct. 10th, 181(i. There was an old Catholic grave- 
yard on the tract long before the church was built. The 
first settlers of the Valley were Irish and named their estates 
according to the baronial system of Great Britain. Mr. F. 
Cole's tract was originally called " Armagh." The first church 
consisted of nothing but the walls, a table being used for an 
altar. Mr. Lostetter failing in business, the tract was sold at 
Sheriff's sale, and was purchased by the Jesuits of George- 
town and Conewago Chaj)el. The first services at this place 
were held in Mr. Andrew Noel's house. The ministers serv- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 107 

ing this congregation from Conewago Chapel, were, Revs. 
Louis De Barth and Matthew Lekeu until 1829 ; Rev. Mich- 
ael Dougherty from that period until about 1840 ; Rev. Fath- 
er Kendler in 1843 ; Rev. Joseph Dietz from 1844 to 1850 ; 
Rev. Father Cattani tlien attended the congregation for a 
short period ; Rev, J. B. Cotting from 1850 to 1853 ; Rev. F. 
X. Deneckere until 1858. These Fathers also attended Get- 
tysburg and Millerstown, the latter congregation being few in 
numbers had as yet never been asked to contribute anything 
for the support of the j)astor. Tliey now petitioned the 
Bishop of the Diocese of Philadelphia to supply them with a 
pastor, which was complied witli on condition that Gettys- 
burg, the Mountain Cliurch, and Millerstown formed one 
charge — the pastor to reside at Gettysburg. The ministers 
supplying the charge from this time (1858) were, Rev. 
Messrs. Basil A. Shorb, to 1859 ; L. J. Miller. 1800 ; A. 
McGinnis until 1863; Joseph A. Boll from 1864 to 1873. 
The congregation was then connected with the Chambersburg 
charge — Path Valley, Waynesboro', Chambersburg, and the 
Mountain church — J. M. Boetzkes and D. A. Riley serving 
from 1873 to 1875. and T. J. Fleming and Joseph Kaelin 
from that time until 1880, and since that time attended by 
the Chambersburg priests. Services were held once a month 
under the Jesuits, and since then twice a month. Father 
Cotting was desirous of selling the land, but Mr. George Cole 
suggested that it be laid out in lots, and sold only to Catho- 
lics, in order to strengthen the congregation and keep them 
together, which w^as accordingly done, in lots of ten, fifteen 
and twenty acres. Messrs. George Cole and John Brady 
purchased eight acres of woodland, and donated it to the 
church, to lie used only for supplying firewood. The first re- 
pairs of the church were made by Father Dietz, who built 
the first altar. Father Cotting put pews in the church, pro- 
cured a bell and an organ, and made other improvements. 
Father Fleming repainted, and otherwise remodeled the church 
durinsr the summer of 1880. 



108 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

THE TANEYTOWN CHURCH. 

This is the oldest town in Carroll Co., Md. It was laid out 
about the year 1750, by Frederick Taney, who came from 
Calvert Co., Md. He was a Catholic, and a member of the 
family of Roger B. Taney, the late Chief Justice of the U. S. 
Supreme Court. By the way, Roger B. Taney, Catholic, 
and Anne P. C. Key, Baptist- Protestant, (a sister of F. Scott 
Key,) were married Jan. 7th, 1806, by Rev. Nicholas Zocchi, 
Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Taneytown. As far back as 
1790, there are records of Mass having been celebrated at 
private dwellings by Fathers Frambaugh, Pellentz, Brosiusand 
Cerfoumont, S. J., all of whom came hither from Cone- 
wago. Prince De Gallitzin, who was ordained by Bishop 
Carroll, March 18th, 1795, although a Sulpidan, was located 
for a time at Conewago, and also attended this mission, as 
well as Hagerstown and Cumberland in Md., Chambersburg, 
Path Valley and Huntingdon, in Penn. Rev. A. A. Lambing, 
in his History of the Catholic Church in Western Pennsylva- 
nia, says that Father Gallitzin left Taneytown and went to 
the Alleghany Mountains because he vvas opposed to the pew- 
rent system. This statement is inaccurate, tor pews were 
first rented here in 1876, when the present St. Joseph's 
Church was built. Previous to that time the subscriptions 
for the support of the priest, (and they were very meagre,) 
were collected by the Trustees. 

Prominent among the early Catholic settlers hereabouts, 
were the Taneys, Coskerys, Brookes, Hughes, Spaldings, 
Boyles, Elders, Adlespergers, Didendals, Congers, Toppers, 
Riffles, and others. About 1796, Mr. Brookes built the first 
Catholic Church here, at his own expense. It was of brick, 
made near the town. Father Callitzin was the first pastor of 
St. Joseph's. From a letter of Bishop Carroll to the Rev. 
Pastor, dated Washington, March 1st, 1799, (Brownson's Life 
of G. p. Ill,) we infer that Father Gallitzin left here about 
that time. From 1799 to ] 804, Taneytown was again at- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 109 

tended by priests from Conewago. Rev. Nicholas Zocchi, a 
secular priest, was born in Rome, Italy, in 1773, and was or- 
dained at Milan, probably in 1797. He came to this country 
and was ajDpointed pastor here in 1804. He is said to have 
been a priest of great learning, and remarkable executive 
ability. In addition to the places mentioned, he visited Mar- 
tinsburg, Ya., (now W. Ya.) and Westminster, Md. At the 
latter place, in 1805, he built a neat brick edifice, called 
" Chi'ist Church ; " the first church, a frame structure, was 
built in 1785, four acres of land having been given to the 
Catholics by John Logston, after the Revolutionary War. 
The church built by Father Zocchi, made way in 18G6 for the 
present handsome brick church, built by the zealous and be- 
loved Father John Gloyd, P. P. 

After a pastorate of 41 years, good Father Zocchi died 
at Taney town, Dec. 17th, 1845, and was buried here on the 
20th inst. The celebrated Rev. Dr. McCaflrey, then Presi- 
dent of Mt. St. Mary's College, preached the sermon. The 
funeral was tlie lai'gest ever seen here, — Catholics and Pro- 
testants coming in their sleighs from all parts of the count3^ 
One may form some idea of the extent of his labors, when it 
is known that at least twelve priests are emplo3^ed on those 
missions. It is true that Catholics and Churches have multi- 
plied, but Father Zocchi had to travel over that vast territory 
in the interest of the few Catholics (comparatively speaking) 
scattered over his several missions. It was certainly no 
small labor to go a distance of 150 or 200 miles at times to 
attend a sick call, especially as the journey had then to be 
made on horseback or in some unwieldy conveyance. 

From the death of Father Zocchi until the close of the 
year 1851, this mission was served by the secular priests, 
Flautt, McCaffrey, D. D., Elder, of Mt. St. Mary's College ; 
and Rev. Messrs. Stelzig, Tapput, and Krutel, Redemptorists, 
of Baltimore. Frequent visits were also made by Father 
Dietz, S. J. 

In Dec, 1851, Rev. Thos. O'Neill was appointed pastor, 



110 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

and remained in charge until Nov., 18C2. He also attended 
Westminster and New Windsor, in the same county. At the 
latter place, in 1861, he built St. Thomas' Church. Leaving 
here in 1862, Father Tom became pastor of St. Paul's Church, 
Ellicott's City, where he remained several years, zealously 
discharging his duties. He then retired to Mt. St. Mary's 
College, where he died Nov. 21st, 1874, aged about 72 years. 
A tall marble monument, of beautiful design, marks his grave, 
placed there by his friend and executor, Rev. John Gloyd. 

In Nov., 1862, Father Gloyd succeeded to the pastorate 
here, and in 1869 removed to Westminster, which then be- 
came the headquarters of the mission. This was done in ac- 
cordance with the wishes of Archbishop Spalding, — West- 
minster being the county-seat. In May, 1871, Rev. R. W. 
Hazeland, a native of England, was appointed assistant to 
Father Gloyd, and they attended Taneytown, Deer Park 
Chapel, and St. Mary's, Union Mills, Carroll Co. Father 
Hazeland left for the West in Jan., 1873, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Casper Schmitt, who was ordained in Baltimore, 
Dec. 21st, 1872. In Nov., 1873, Rev. John T. Delaney was 
made assistant to Father Gloyd ; and in 1876, St. Bartholo- 
mew's, Manchester, was added to the missions. This church 
was built by the Redemptorists, and served by them until 
placed under the care of the priests at Westminster. In Jan., 
1879, the mission was divided, — Father Gloyd retaining 
charge of St. John's, Westminster, and St. Bailholomew's, 
Manchester, while Rev. John T. Delaney took charge of St. 
Joseph's, Taneytown, and St. Thomas', New AVindsor. He is 
a kind and zealous Father, deeply interested in his church 
work. 

The present church at Taneytown was built in 1876, 
when the old church built by Mr. Brookes was torn down. 
The church is a neat brick building, 40x70, and was erected 
by Father Gloyd, who raised the amount necessary for its 
completion before the work \vas begun. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HLSTORY, 111 

The remains of Father Zocchi i-est in the cemetery at 
Tanejtown. A plain mai-ble monument about five feet high, 
marks the spot and has the following inscription : Sacred to 
the memory of Rev. Nicholas Zocchi, late pastor of Taney- 
town Catholic Church, who departed this life Dec. 17th, 1845, 
in the 72d year of his age. Christian, say "May God have 
mercy on his Soul." 

Rev. Henry B. Coskery, Y. G., I). D., who died in Bal- 
timore in 1872, was born here in the house adjoining the par- 
ochial residence, July 19th, 1808. He was ordained at Bal- 
timore in 1 834, and in the same year assigned to missionary 
duties in Belair, Md. In 1 837, he was transferred to Elli- 
cot's Mills, and there built St. Paul's Church, and discharged 
the various and laborious duties of the missionary priest in 
the most edifying and efficacious manner. In 1839, he was 
called to the Cathedral by Archbishop Lccleston, and in that 
important field labored late and early for 32 years. He died 
Feb. 27th, 1872, and was buried at Bonnie Brae Cemetery. 

A sister of his, Matilda Cosker}', became a Sister of 
Charity, and died a few years ago at St. Joseph's, near Em- 
mitsburg. She was a Sister (ifty years and more, and was 
born here March 25th, 1805. Sister Helen Josephine (Swope), 
now at St. Joseph's, was born here April 11th, 1826. Sister 
Elizabeth (Case), born near Taneytown, Oct. 13th, 1832, and 
died at New Orleans. Josephine Baumgartner, born near 
Taneytown about 1830, became a Sister of Mercy in 1849, 
Matilda Sullivan, born near Taneytown, also became a Sister 
of Mercy. 

Pastors of St. Joseph's, Taneytown : Demetrius A. De 
Gallitzin, born on the Hague, in Russia, Dec. 22d, 1770 ; or- 
dained at St. Mary's Seminary, Balto., March 18th, 1795; 
died May Gth, 1840. Rev. Nicholas Zocchi, born at Rome, 
Italy, 1773, ordained about 1797, at Milan, died Dec. 17th, 
1845, at Taneytown. Rev. Thos. O'Neill, born in Ireland 
about 1802, ordained in Balto. 1830 ; died at Mt. St. Mary's, 



112 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Nov. 21st, 1874. Rev. John Gloyd, born in Montgomery 
Co., Md., Oct. 22d, 1831 ; ordained at St. Mary's, May, 1858 ; 
now pastor at Westminster. Rev. John T. Delaney, born in 
Balto., Feb. 1843 ; ordained at St. Mary's Seminary Dec. 21st, 
1872 ; now pastor of St. Joseph's, Taneytown. 



THE WESTMINSTER CHURCH. 



.The church property at this place, consisting of four 
acres, was donated by John Logston. LTpon this a frame 
church was built about the year 1789. There is nothing to 
show who had charge of the church at that early period ; 
probably the Fathers from Frederick and Conewago. The 
second, called Christ's Church, a brick building, was erected 
by Rev. Nicholas Zocchi, in 1805. This venerable priest was 
ordained when he was twenty-two years and six months old. 
He visited Westminster once a month on Sundays until his 
death in 1845. The entire mission was then without a resi- 
dent pastor until 1851. During this interval, irregular visits 
were made by different clergymen— Revs. John F. Hickey, 
Henry Myers, Joseph Dietz, Francis Krutel, and others. In 
1851, Rev. Thomas O'Neill was placed in charge of the mis- 
sion, with residence at Taneytown. He was succeeded by 
Rev. John Gloyd in Nov., 18G2, who also resided at Taney- 
town until Westminster was made headquarters in 18G9. 
The third, St. John's Church, brick, was commenced in 1865, 
and dedicated Nov. 22d, 186G. Mr. Jolm Orendorf gave all 
the bricks for the building. The assistants until the mission 
was divided in 1879, were Revs. Richard Hazeland from 1871 
to 1873, Casper Schmidt from 1873 to 1874 ; John T. De- 
laney from 1874 to 1879. The parochial school house was 
built in 1872. Rev. John Gloyd is the present beloved and 
zealous pastor. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 

THE FREDERICK CHURCH. 



Many Catholic families, among them the Carrolls, were 
connected with the earliest settlement around Frederick 
Town, now in Frederick Co., Md. When first founded it was 
in Baltimore Co., and was an important point on the princi- 
pal stage routes which then traversed the country. Frederick 
is an old Catholic mission, and being the location of the 
Jesuit Novitiate, has a very interesting history and should 
have valuable records. All that we are able to give is taken 
from Scharfs Histoi'y of Western Maryland. 

Many Catholics had settled on Carroll's Manor, on the 
Monocacy, at the close of the last century. They were at- 
tended by Rev. John Dubois, from Mt. St. Mary's. The 
ground on which the original chapel was built, was deeded to 
Father John Hunter, by John Carey, Oct. 2d, 1765. Fred- 
erick was attended by priests from St. Thomas' Mission, near 
Port Tobacco, for a long time the residence of the Superior 
of the Jesuits in Maryland, From this was supplied all the 
adjacent countr}', from the headwaters of the Potomac to the 
Eastern Shores. The German Fathers from Conewago also 
attended the mission at Frederick. The first residence and 
chapel were built in 1763, by John Williams, an English 
Jesuit, who came to the Maryland Missions June 9th, 1758, 
with Fathers James Frambach and James Pellentz. He re- 
turned to Europe about 1774. There is reason to believe 
that Father George Hunter succeeded Father Williams. He 
was Superior of the Jesuits in Maryland in 1765, and Super- 
ior and Yicar General in 1794. Father James Frambach 
was pastor of Frederick in 1773, according to Campbell. He 
had the wdiole of Western Maryland and part of Virginia, 
and traveled far, visiting the sick and administering the Sac- 
raments. Many a time he slept near his horse, on the banks 
of the Potomac and its tributaries, and early in the morning 



114 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

was up and off" again. He was succeeded by Father James 
Walton, an Englishman, who came to Md. in 1776, died at 
St. Inigoes 1803, aged 65. The chapel was then attended by 
Father Dubois, The residence forms part of the Novitiate. 
The small chapel of Father Williams was for nearly forty 
years the only place of worship for the Catholics of Freder- 
ick. The Jesuits remained during the Suppression. Father 
Dubois began to administer at St. John's about 1702. He 
also attended the Western Missions, Hagerstown, Cumber- 
land, Martinsburg and as far South as Winchester. Scharf 
says he " was for a long time the only priest between Balti- 
more and St. Louis." We do not wish to contradict the cele- 
brated historian, but Father Lambing's Researches furnish 
much information on early Catholic settlements. The Cone- 
wago Fathers themselves attended the western missions 
from Frambach's time, 1760, to Father Gallitzin's, 1800. The 
history of the Carroll families in Maryland would also throw 
additional light on early Catholic missionary work. 

Father Dubois began the erection of a church at Fi-ed- 
erick in 1800. It was of brick, 82x45 feet. The building 
was partly torn down and changed in 1859, and has since 
been used for other purposes. After he removed to Emmetts- 
burg in 1806, he visited Frederick once or twice a month. 
Francis Maleve, S. J., took charge in 1811. He had the 
church repaired in 1812, as the congregation was then increas- 
ing. He was born Dec. 1, 1770, a native of Russia. Hebe- 
longed to the order of St. Francis Assisi, but when the Order 
was dispersed he labored as a Secular priest. Father Maleve 
entered the Society in Russia in 1804 : came to this country 
while a Novice, and took his last vows June 29th, 1815. He 
commenced the building of St. Joseph's Church on the Manor, 
about seven miles from P'rederick, which was completed in 
1820. The lot and part of the funds were gifts from Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton. Father Maleve died Oct. 3d, 1822. 

In 1821, Mr.Coale gave land on which to ])uild a church, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 115 

at Liberty, twelve miles from Frederick. The old church 
was torn down several years ago and a new one 1)uilt by 
Gen. Coale, a son of the donor of the original lot. 

Father John McElroy took charge after the death of 
Father Maleve. He built chm-ches and schools, and is well 
remembered for his zealous labors in the cause of religion. 
He died in ] 877 at the Xovitiate. Pie was the oldest priest 
in America, aged 95 years, having been born in the town of 
Innis Killin, Ireland, in 17812. 

In 1824, five Sisters came to Frederick from Emmetts- 
burg, and were lodged in a log cabin, St. John's Academy 
was opened Jan. od, 1824. In 1825, a larger establishment 
was built. Rev. P. W. Walsh was assistant hi 1825. A 
church was built at Petersville in 1826, on land given by Mr. 
West, a Protestant. Aug. 7th, 1828, St. John's Literary In- 
stitute was begun ; opened in 1829. It has given many 
great men to religion and the professions. The new church 
was contemplated as early as 1830. The corner-stone was 
laid in 1833. It was finished after many difficulties in 1837, 
consecrated April 2Gth. The steeple was completed in 1854, 
by J^urchard Yilliger, S. J. Father Peter Kenney was Sn- 
peiior at that time. Father W^m. McSherry sncceeded him. 
In 1833, a large addition was made to the residence. A 
wing and the chapel wei-e added by Father Samuel Barber. 
Improvements were made by Father Brocard, and in 1859 
by Father Parasce. The Sisters' building was burned down 
in 1845, and was rebuilt. In 1839, Father James Ryder 
was assistant to Father McElroy, and teacher of French and 
writing. Thomas Lill3^ S. J., succeeded Father McElroy in 
Sept., 1845. The assistants were Revs. George Villiger, 
Stonestreet, Meredith, Jenkins, Finotti, and Bogne. In 1840, 
the Sisters of Charity withdrew, and U^e Nuns of the Visita- 
tion from Georgetown took their place. In 1848, Rev. 
Charles II. Stonestreet succeeded Father Lill}'. The assistants 
were Revs, l^ogue, Finotti and Ciampi. When Rev. Stone- 
street had charge, Rev. Francis Dzierozyuski, a saintly man, 



116 COiNEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

died there. He was a native of Orsani, in Poland, born June 
3d, 1777. Father Thomas MuUedy succeeded in 1850. 
After him came Revs. Vilhger, Kai'ber, Hippolyte Deneck- 
ere, Blenkinsop and McAtee ; the two latter, with M. Tufier, 
S. J., being there in 1860. From 1853 to 1860, the assis- 
tants were Revs. Bogue. Dudd3^ and Tuffer. Father Sourin 
was in charge from 1860 to 1870 ; the assistants were Revs. 
O'Kane, Smith, Jenkins, Ciampi and Fulmer. After an ab- 
sence of twenty-five years. Father Stonestreet returned as 
parisli priest. 



THE HAGERSTOWN CHURCH. 

This sketch of Catholicity in Hagerstown is nothing 
more than the interesting and valuable data collected by 
Father Jones when he was pastor, and left by him as a church 
record. The Hagerstown Church was long attended by the 
early missionaries of Conewago, Taneytown and Frederick. 
A very full and interesting history of the church might be 
written from these records, but as it serves our purpose of 
preserving names and dates, we give them as they appear : 

The deed of the old Catholic graveyard, from Jonathan 
Hagar to Rev. James Frambach, for three lots (Nos. 319, 
320, 321,) in Hagar's addition to Elizabethtown, is dated Aug. 
16th, 1786, recorded in liber E, folio 38. The deed of the 
present church property, from Adam Miller, of Bedford Co., 
Pa., to Luke Tieman, of Baltimore Co., Md., Charles Carroll, 
Denis Cahill (priest,) James McClellan, John Adams, James 
McCardell, Jos. Clark and Wm. Clark, of Washington Co., 
and to the survivors and their heirs in trust, is dated May 
25th, 1794 ; recorded in hber H, folio 847 to 849 ; property 
o-iven for the nominal sum of five shillings. From this time 
until about 1820, the church was at first served by Father 
Cahill and other priests who did missionary work in the 
countrv bordering the Potomac and Shenandoah ; after them 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 117 

by Father Zocchi, of Taneytowii, and the Frederick and 
Mountain priests. Father Cahill left Baltimore for Ireland 
in the spring of 180G, and died there in 1817. As a mis- 
sionary priest his labors were equal to those of the Conewa- 
go Fathers and Maryland Jesuits, and we regret that so little 
information of his life can be obtained. 

Rev. Timothy Ryan took charge of the Hagerstown 
church in 1822. The old log church, which stood where the 
main building of the " presbytery " now stands, was removed 
and a new church built. The corner-stone was laid July 4th, 
1825. He attended the congregation while the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal was being built, and labored during the 
cholera of 1833 ; died June 2d, 1837. Rev. Geo. M. Guth 
succeeded until 1844, latter part, when Father Henry Myers 
came. He took charge of Hagerstown and the missions Aug. 
15th, 1845. In this year he wns taken seriously ill, and re- 
ceived the last Sacraments from Rev. Charles Stonestreet, S. 
J. 

The deed of the Williamsport church is recorded in liber 
I N, No. 10, fol. 110, and is from Roljert Lemon, executor 
of Peter Light, to Rt. Rev. F. P. Kenrick and his successors, 
for $1,000 ; dated Dec. 8th, 1854, delivered to Father Myers 
Sept. 4th, 185G. 

Rev. Joseph Maguire was assistant to F'ather Myers in 
1851, and died Sept. 18th, 1852, buried in front of the church 
where a moiunnent marks his grave. Father Mj'ers left 
about Nov., 1857 ; Rev. George Flaut left in July, 1858 ; 
Rev. Edmund Didier left Sept., 18G1 ; Rev. John Gloyd 
attended from Hancock until Dec. 1801, when Rev. Malachy 
Moran, 0. S. B., took charge. He left abont the middle of 
1864, succeeded by Thos. McDonough, S. J., from Frederick ; 
Rev. Aloysius Janalick, S. J., left in the summer of 18G5, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Ed. Didier, who remained until 
May 7th, 1868. 



118 COj^EWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

1867, Aug, 17, deed from Charles Tieman and G. R. 
Tieman his wife, to Rev. Ed. Didier, James I. Hurley, Jacob 
A. Wright, Jerome B. McClery, Jacob H. Wills and John 
Eck, trustees of St. Mary's Church at Hagerstown, which 
includes church property and priest's house. The survivor of 
the original trustees of May 5, 1794, was Luke Tieman, and 
from him the legal title descended to Charles Tieman. Deed 
from Dennis and Margaret Galvin, of St. Louis, to same 
trustees, for the school house, afterwards sold to C. V. R. R. 
for depot, is dated Aug, 21st, 1867. The deed for all the 
church property, from the trustees to Most Rev. M. J. Spal- 
ding, and his successors the Archbishops of Baltimore, is 
recorded in liber I N, No. 18, fols. 693 to 696. The church 
property became invested in Rev. Ed. Didier and five trus- 
tees, according to article 26, sec. 88 to 101, of the Public 
General Laws. Tlie number of trustees was increased 
to seven and the pastor. By the agreement of March 25th, 
1875, Rev. J. M. Jones, J. V. Smith, Jacob A. Wright, P. M. 
John, H. H. Keedy, James I. Hurley, C. B. Boyle and W. F. 
Orndorf became trustees. 

Rev. John M. Jones became pastor May 7th, 1868, — 
Father Didier leaving the next day for St. Peter's, Baltimore. 
Father Myers introduced the new pastor at High Mass. There 
was then need of church and house improvements, furniture, 
and repairs, which were made by degrees. The mission then 
consisted of Hagerstown, Williamsport, Boonsboro, and Smith- 
burg. Clearspring was given to Rev. M. Daush, of Hancock. 
First Fair held in Lyceum Hall in Nov., 1868 ; the proceeds, 
$1900, expended in repairing church and furnishing house. 
Gas was put in the church in May, 1869. June 6th, 1869, 
mission commenced b}^ Revs. Wayrich, Gross and O'Dono- 
hue, C. S. S. R. Wayrich was an eloquent speaker. There 
were several converts and 320 Communicants. The congre- 
gation gave the missionaries $180 at their departure. Rev. 



I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 119 

Michael Daush left Hancock in the spring of 1861, when 
Father Jones was given the whole mission, including Little 
Orleans, afterward attached to Cumberland, with Rev. Chas. 
Damer as assistant. The Booonsboro church was built b}' 
Dr. Josiah Smith, with money left by Dr. Otho Smith. 

Aug. 22, 1869, Forty Hours, Fathers T. Lee and John 
Kain, of Harper's P^erry, assisted. Festival held in Williams- 
port ; $175 cleared ; expended for organ ; congregation there 
small and poor. Dec. 22d, Jubilee began in Hagerstown, 
Revs. Richard Barry, of Harrisburg, and F. Fields, of Cham- 
bersburg, assisted ; 280 Communicants ; Jubilee followed at 
Hancock and Clearspring — 180 Com. at former, 49 at latter 
place. June 16th, 1870, Corpus Christi ; began addition to 
church in Hagerstown, Mr. P'rederick, Baltimore, brother of 
Father P^rederick, architect ; Oliyer, contractor. Old school 
house and lot sold to C. V. R. R. for $3000 ; rest of money 
raised by subscription. Mission divided in Nov., P'ather 
Ryan took Hancock, Father Jones the rest. Jan., 1871, 
church in Hagerstown dedicated by Father Myers, who said 
High Mass; Rev. D. Lyman preached ; P'orty Hours followed 
held by Revs. S. F. Ryan and John Kain. While church 
was being repaired, Mass said in Miss Eliza Monahan's house, 
P^'ranklin Street. Easter morning this year, 105 Communi- 
cants. Sept. 28, 1871, Rev. J. M. Jones returned to St. 
Peter's, Balto. Rev. D. DeWulf succeeded ; Rev. S. P". Ryan 
(^hanged from Hancock to Cumberland about this time. — 
Rev. C. Darner appointed to Hancock. 1873, Sept., Arch. 
Bayley administered Confirmation. 1874, Jan. 25 to 29— 
Rev. J. J. Kain, of Harper's P'erry, gave mission at Wil- 
liamsport ; when Rev. John Boetzkes, of Chambersburg, 
assisted ; 72 Com. 1873, July 21st, Father Myers died at St. 
Vincent's. Baltimore, buried on the 24th. 1873, Oct. 14 — 
Rev. Jones returned to Hagerstown as pastor ; Rev. DeWulf 
left next day for St. Matthew's, Wash. 1874, Jan. 12 to 13, 
Dr. Chapelle, of St. Joseph, Baltimore, gave two lectures for 



120 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Altar Society. Aug. 28, Sisters of St. Joseph came to open 
school ; small house rented for them from Mr. Keerl. 
Mother Liguori taught small boys ; Sister Angela, head of 
the school ; Sister Basil, small children. Sister Winfred, lay 
Sister — "all strangers to each other and to us." Congrega- 
tion furnished house, paid $200 rent, $200 to Sisters and 
$200 to Chestnut Hill for Novitiate ; Priest has all responsi- 
bility of collecting money and attending to material prosper- 
ity of the school. This was tlie arrangement made by Moth- 
er St. John and approved by Arch. Bayley. 

1874. Fair Oct. 13; $1089.05 realized; went to pay 
$1300 debt remaining from church repairs. Jan. 19, F. X. 
Boyle, of Washington, lectured for benelit of school. Sisters 
moved into new house, purchased from Mr. Ogilly at a cost 
of$(i,750. Additions made in summer of 1875. Property 
held in name of Trustees. Sept. 17, Arch. Bayley confirm- 
ed at Hagerstown, and at Williamsport. Miss Ehza Moiia- 
han died in November ; left $1000 for marble altar ; money 
was needed at the time and put in school building. [Father 
Manley, present pastor, intends to have marble altar erected 
in accordance with bequest.] 

1875. Upstairs of priest's house improved. Sept. 19 
to 2Gth, Revs. Way rich and Oberhnrt, C. S. S. R., gave mis- 
sion. Fair in Williamsport Dec. 23d ; proceeds $700 ; con- 
gregation began to tear down chui'ch, walls were giving 
away ; Arch. Bayley added $100 ; men gave their labor free ; 
church so far completed fourth Sunday in July, 187G, as to 
have Mass for the first time ; during building services were 
held in public hall. Mr. Eli Stake generously undertook 
building, without charge for his worlv ; congregation worked 
well, and gave according to means ; dedication deferred to 
spring of '77 for want of funds. 

1876. Strawberr}'^ festival held in Flagerstown, June 
10 to 13th ; $145.14 made. July 4th, bell rung for Centen- 
nial, and High Mass. July 19, picnic for Williamspoit 
church, — $147.96. Aug.— addition of second and third 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HL^TORY. 121 

stories to school building at Ilagerstown ; cost $300 ; Heil 
contractor. Nov. — Fair in new church, Williamsport, $562 
realized ; good fair, well conducted ; Mrs. Barry obtained her- 
self all articles on her table. Christmas, — James I. Hurley 
presented Ilagerstown church with handsome pair twelve- 
light candelabra. 

1877. Easter, 100 Communicants. April 2d, concert 
by Dr. Dielman ; cleared $42.25. April 29, Williamsport 
Church dedicated by Rev. J. J. Kain, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; 
Mass by Rev. Desire De W^iif ; Rev. S. F. Ryan, Deacon ; 
Thomas Fleming, 8ub-Deacon ; present. Revs. J. O'Sullivan, 
[now Bishop of Mobile,] and C. Damer. Mercadantes Mass 
in B flat ; Bishop Kain preached, Heb. xii., 22-24. In even- 
ing. Rev. J. O'Sullivan, of Westei-nport, preached in Hagers- 
town. May 0, — Forty Hours same place. Father Watterson, 
Mt. St. Mary's, preached ; Rev. C. P. O'Connor, from Over- 
brook, and Revs. Gloyd and Kaelin assisted. Nov. 25, — St. 
Catharine's Day ; great flood of Potomac ; water higher at 
Williamsport than since 1852 ; houses and barns and C. V. 
R. R. bridge swept away. Oct. od, — bell tolled from 9 to 
10 r. M., for death of Arch. Bay ley ; news of liis death not 
received until evening. Last of Sept., — collected $100 on 
Williamsport Churcli debt, balance $300. Oct. 13th,— High 
Mass of Requiem at Ilagerstown for Arch. Bayley. Nov. 
27, — i'air for Sisters' school ; almost all articles came from 
Rev. C. P. O'Connor and from A'isitation Convent, George- 
town, and from Sisters of St. Joseph. Dec. 25, — Rev. Jones, 
pastor, sick ; Rev. Fowler sang Mass. 

1878. Rev. J. P. Casey came as assistant at Ilagers- 
town, March 2d ; left April 22d. Rev. Joim M. Jones went 
to Europe, May 4th ; returned Sept. 20 ; Charles Stonestreet, 
S. J., supplied. New Missal purchased in Oct., for $22. 
New cope and white vestment arrived from Toulouse, France. 
Thanksgiving Dinner in Williamsport cleared $67. Dec. — 
Rev. DeWitt, S. J., of Frederick, assisted at Christmas; new 
vestments used for hrst time. Dec. 23d, new furnace put in 



122 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Williamsport Church at a cost of $110. 

1879. March 11th, Forty Hours at WilUamsport, Revs. 
Flemmg and Damer assisted. May 4th, Arch. Gibbons con- 
firmed Gl at Hagerstown, 23 converts ; preached in evening 
on the Infalhbility ; large attendance. Sixteen persons en- 
tertained at dinner by pastor. Yery Rev. O'Connor sang 
Mass. May 5th, 19 confirmed at WiUiamsport, 5 converts. 
Mr. Victor Cushwa gave dinner to Archbishop and clergy. 
May 11th, Forty Hours at Hagerstown ; sermons by Revs. 

C. Damer, J. O'Sullivan, and T. Lee ; Rev. J. KaeUn finished 
Devotions ; Jubilee followed ; Sermon in German, about the 
last here, by Rev. Smith, of Frostburg ; 300 Com. Daring 
month of Oct., Rev. Jones resigned on account of ill health ; 
acceptance from Feb. 1st, 1880 ; Rev. J. A. Frederick suc- 
ceeded. 1879, Dec. 25th, C. Stonestreet, S. J., assisted ; Dec. 
28th, fine sermon by the same, on the Immortality of the 
Soul. 1883, Jan. 25th, Rev. H. Voltz succeeded Father 
Frederick ; introduced Jan. 28th. May 20th, Forty Hours, 
present Revs. Gloyd, Delaney, Meade and McKeefry ; 230 
Com. June 28th, Commencement of St. Joseph's Academy. 
July 15, began new story on school building. Sept. 4th, fair 
for school ; proceeds $1500. Sept. 4th, Dr. Josias Smith, 
trustee, died ; buried on the 7tli, large funeral. 1884, Feb, 
10th, Mission by Lazarist Fathers, Leievre and Krabler ; 400 
Com, April 10 and 11, office of Tenebra? for first time in 
many years. April loth, Easter, meeting of church mem- 
bers ; decided to put new roof on church and another story 
on house ; improvements begun in May, completed in June. 
July 27tli, Arch. Gibbons preached and confirmed. 1885. 
Rev. Henry Voltz left Jan. lOth; was succeeded by Rev. 

D. Manley ; who was met and welcomed by members of the 
congregation and Father Meade, of Williamsport. Father 
Manley is an earnest and prudent worker, and a kind priest. 
During the summer of 1885, he said Mass at Pen-Mar, a 
summer resort on the Blue Ridge. The Hagerstown Mission 
is now divided ; Rev. Manley attending points nearest Ha- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 123 

gerstown ; Rev. Meade those near Williamsport, and Rey. 
Peter Weider at Hancock. 

'* Father Myers was one of the most highly esteemed 
pastors of the church." He was born at the " Seminary 
Farm," Conewago, Adams Co., Pa., in 180G ; studied at St. 
Mary's, Baltimore ; educated by the Sulpitians, and ordained 
in 1830. He was stationed at St. Patrick's Church, Wash- 
ington, then at Cumberland where he built a church. After 
laboring twelve years at Ha gerstown, he went to Pikesville, 
Balto. Co., Md. In 18G0, he succeeded Rev. Leonard Ober- 
myer as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's in Baltimore, and 
died there in July, 1873. The Hagerstown missions are also 
greatly indebted to the labors of Father Jones, whose memo- 
ry is cherished with love and veneration. 

Among the church improvements in 1870, was the erec- 
tion of the present beautiful steeple, crowned with a large 
cross. 



YORK AND OTHER CHURCHES. 



York, a growing city on the banks of the Codorus, in 
York Co., Pa., is a place full of historic interest. The Con- 
tinental Congress, driven from Philadelphia by the British 
invasion, retired to ''York Town," Sept. oOth, 1777, and 
held its sessions there until June 27th, 1778. Here was 
printed the first Continental Money ; Philip Livingston, one 
of the New York delegates, died here June 11th, 1778, and 
was buried in the German Reformed graveyard ; John Han- 
cock resigned his presidency of Congress at York, and Henry 



124 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Laurence elected in his place ; earlj in Nov., 1777, Col. 
Wilkinson brought despatches to Congress at York, announc- 
ing Burgoyne's surrender ; Lafayette was appointed to the 
command of a division in the Continental Army, and Baron 
Steuben's offer of service was accepted here. While in ses- 
sion at York, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Gen. 
Conway and others to displace Gen. Washington and put 
Gen. Gates in his place ; Lafayette discovered and exposed 
the plot. " Pulaski's Legion " made York its place of ren- 
dezvous while preparing to march South ; leaving York in 
March, 1770 ; Count Pulaski fell in an unsuccessful assault 
on the British at Savannah, Oct. 3d of that year. A battal- 
ion of French troops known as " Armand's Legion," was 
quartered at York from Jan. to Nov.. ]783. We have a 
copy of a letter of thanks from the citizens of York, to 
" Brigadier Gen. Armand, Marquis De La Ilouerie/' for the 
kind services, aid and protection of his troops to the country 
and to the town, dated Nov, 18th, 1783 ; and his reply to it 
dated the 19th, when he says his troops and himself are pre- 
paring to return to their country, and offer tlieir services to 
America whenever in need of assistance, signed '• Armand, 
Marquis De La Kouerie." Mr. Griffin, in his recent sketches 
of Catholicity in Philadelphia, makes mention of Count Ar- 
mand, and if we mistake not, says he died at tliat place. 
Another distinguished personage at York at that time and 
afterward, was Baron de Beelen Bei-tholf, Belgian minister to 
this countr}^ also a Catholic, of whom we will be able to give 
further particulars. There is no record that there were any 
Chaplains with the troops quartered at York. The Catholics 
iit that time were attended by the Conewago missionaries, at 
first every sixth week, and later evei-y fourtii Sunday. 

April 17th, 17'50, John Moore entered his name for a 
lot marked No. 295, in the general [)lan of the town of York, 
founded and situated on the east side of Beaver Street, con- 
taining in breadth north and south, 57 feet and G inches, and 
in length to a 20-foot alley, 230 feet. June 20th of tlie same 



I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL TUSTORY. 125 

year, Moore sold to Casper Stillinger, who l)iiilt a dwelling 
house on the lot. The property passed from the j^ossession 
of the Stillinger heirs to Joseph Smith, Ma}^ 4th, 1776, who 
purchased it for the use of the Catholic congi-egation, pre- 
senting it to that body and for that purpose. The house 
was converted into a place of religious worship and used as 
such until 1810, when the old stone dwelling was torn down 
and a brick church was built on the same site. A deed was 
given to perfect the title, by Hons. John and Richard Penn, 
by their attorney John R. Coates, " to the Reverend Thomas 
Neale, (should have been Francis, Provincial of the Jesuits at 
that time,) in trust for the Roman Catholic Congregation of 
York Town," dated June 2d, 1808, for the nominal sum of 
five shillings, convoying Lot iS^o. 295, on Beaver St., York, to 
Rev. Thomas (Francis) Neale, in trust, kc, " it being the 
same lot whereon a ciiapel is erected." The first resident 
priest at York was Rev. Lorence Huber, who came there in 
Dec, 1819, and remained six mouths. Rev. George D. 
Hogan came in the summer of 1820 ; Rev. P. J. Dween in 
the summer of 1822. and was there yet in 1834. The name 
of the church was St. Pati-ick's. We have been unable to 
obtain the names of succeeding priests. In 1850, Rev. Father 
Hatting, from Conewago, built a Catholic Church at York, 
He was probabl}- the last of the Jesuits attending that place. 
When Fathers Fnders and Deneckerc were first sent on the 
Conewago missions, they attended York ; so did Father 
Cotting and others. In 1860, Rev. Silvester Eagle was 
pastor of St. Patrick's, and Revs. Mat. J. Menror and John 
Vollmeyer in charge of the Immaculate Conception church. 
In 1877, Father Kennedy was pastor of St. Patrick's, and 
John Geo. Pape of St. Mary's. Tliere were difierent pastors 
at various times, whose names we have not. The Catholic 
Church at York is vei-y nourishing. Besides churches and 
pastoral residences, there are large and well attended schools, 
taught by the Sisters ; and three strong Beneficial Societies. 
There are sevei-al missions outside of York. Father Huber 



126 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

is pastor at Shrewsbury. Rev. Pape is still pastor of St. 
Mary's. He has just completed a very handsome church at 
a cost of $47,000. The corner-stone was laid May 25th. 
1884. The church was dedicated May 2oth, 1885. The 
dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Shanahan, 
Bishop of Harrisburg. A Grand High Mass followed, Rev. 
Koppernagle, of Harrisburg, Celebrant, assisted by Rev. 
Louis Grotenmeyer, of Lancaster ; Rev. Michael Reily, of 
Columbia ; Rev. J. A. Huber, of New Freedom, Master of 
Ceremonies. Rev. Joseph Wissel, of Annapolis, who was a 
former pastor of both York churches, preached a sermon in 
German. There were present the following clergymen : 
Revs. J. G. Pape, Pastor; James Gormley, of Bonneauville ; 
J. A. Boll, of Gettysburg ; Wm. Pieper, of Columbia ; John 
Koeper, of Williamsport ; Clement Schleuter, of Chambers- 
burg. The church is of brick, built in the Gothic style ; 129 
by 573 feet, with two side towers 70 feet each and a centre 
steeple of 1 85 feet. The interior has stained memorial win- 
dows, three altars, is tastefully ornamented and furnished 
with steam heat and a $3,000 organ. The new church walls 
were built up around the old church, in which services were 
held at the time. Father Pape is a hard-working priest. — 
He visited Europe several years ago. Rev. John Shanahan 
was the late pastor of St. Patrick's, resigniug in Aug., 1885. 
and going to Rome to further prosecute his studies in philos- 
ophy and theology. Rev. O'Reilley, of Shamokin, succeeded 
in September. 



A sketch of St. Mary's, prepared by a committee of St. 
Patrick's Society. — Messrs. J. C. Maguire, Henry Boll. J. H. 
Garrety, John Mayer, Wm. Chambers and M. M. Little, — 
furnishes us with the following facts in the history of that 
church. The Germans were long deprived of the blessings 
of religion in their native tongue, and were often obliged to 
go to Conewago and Baltimore to make their confessions. — 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 127 

Rev. Shorb, an American of German parentage, was pastor 
of St. Patrick's for a short while, with great satisfaction to 
the Germans. Bishop Kenrick sent a German from Cone- 
wago, Rev. Jacob Cotting, in 1851-2. Bishop Xeuman sep- 
arated the two congregations. The Germans then purchased 
an acre of ground on the Baltimore pike for a cemetery, 
which was blessed June 27th, 1852. At the same time, a 
lot, 140 feet front and 220 deep, was purchased on South 
George Street, for a church, the corner-stone of which was 
laid July 25th, of that year. By the united efforts of pastor 
and congregation, a brick church, 42x80 feet, was erected by 
Oct. 25th, when the august sacrifice of the Mass was celebra- 
ted in it for the first time. An organ and a bell were pro- 
cured in 1853. A school-house was built soon after adjoin- 
ing the church. Rev. Cotting came twice a month. Rev. J. 
Wachter, a newly ordained priest, a Tyrolean by birth, be- 
came the first resident pastor July 4th, 1853. He was a 
faithful and zealous pastor, and was assisted by Rev. F. Ru- 
dolph, who attended the country missions. In 1843, through 
the efforts of a Catholic gentleman named Muller, from Bad- 
en, Germany, a church was built at New Freedom, nineteen 
miles south of York. Bishop Kenrick gave the building of 
it to the Redemptorists. Revs. Kronenberger and Neuman, 
(afterwards Bishop of Philadelphia,) had charge of St. John's 
Church, New Freedom, for several years. It was then at- 
tended from St. Mary's, York. In 1850, the few Catholics 
around Hallastown l)uilt a substantial stone church, which 
was served from the same place. After the removal of Rev. 
Kuntzer from York, Rev. Wachter was assisted Rev. F. X. 
Tryer, who succeeded him nt his death in 1859. Rev. Tryer 
was a native of Switzerland ; he was succeeded by Rev. M. 
Meurer, a native of Wurtemburg, who remained until Oct., 
1861. Rev* Joseph Hamm, from Baden, succeeded him, and 
in 18G3 built a two-story brick parsonage adjoining the 
church, at a cost of about $4,000. Rev. B. Baummaster, a 
native of Muenster, had charge from 18GG to 1868. In Nov. 



128 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

of that year, Rev. J. G. Pape, also a native of Westphalia, 
was transferred from Ashland to York. In 1869, he built a 
new brick school-house on the lot in the rear of the church, 
and this year completed a magnificent new church edifice. — 
He is a very active and energetic man, both in spiritual and 
temporal matters. The Sisters of St. Francis, of Philadel- 
phia, have been in charge of the school, which has a large 
attendance. They have been faithful teachers. 

The Diocese of Philadelphia was divided in 1868, when 
that city became an Archiepiscopal See, At the formation 
of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Rev. J. F. Shanahan was con- 
secrated its Bishop, over which he now presides. The dio- 
cese was extensive enough, but poor in churches and religious 
work. New congregations were organized, churches built, 
schools established and priests ordained, and now everywhere 
are evidences of his zeal and labor. For a number of j'cars 
the good Bishop has been trying to establish a Diocesan 
Seminary, and we trust his object will be accomplished be- 
fore he is called to his rew^ard. We know very little of the 
early Catholic history of Harrisburg. It came within the 
limits of the missions already outlined, and whatever Catho- 
lics were scattered through this section of the Cumberland 
Valley, were ministered to b)- the early Jesuit missionaries. 
St. Patrick's Church was built iu 1826, by Rev. Michael 
Curran. Rupp, iu his history of Dauphhi County, about 
1840, says it is a beautiful edifice, with a handsome tower 
and a large bell, situated (m State Street, between Second 
and Third. Its size is about 50x75 feet, and cost $7,000. — 
It was consecrated Oct. 2d, 1827, by Rt. Rev. Henry Con- 
well, Bishop of Philadelphia. St. Patrick's became the pro- 
Cathedral iu 1808, and was enlarged and improved iu 1874, 
■dedicated Jul}^ 12th, five Bishops being present and a num- 
ber of priests. Rev. John Foley succeeded Rev. Curran. — 
A German priest from York attended the Germans for a 
time. They have a church now. Father Koppernagle labored 
very hard iu its interest. There is also a church at Steelton. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 129 

Rev. Pierce Mather was pastor of St. Patrick's for many 
years. He was a priest of more than ordinary zeal and abil- 
ity ; a learned and generous man, w-ell-known in religious 
circles, and at his death the church paid him distinguished 
funeral honors by the presence of many priests and several 
Bishops. He was born April 6th, 1812, near Clonmel, Ire- 
land ; studied for the priesthood under Bishop Kenrick ; or- 
dained May 25th. 1837. He labored at Harrisburg from that 
time until the arrival of Bishop Shanahan in 1868, when he 
was sent to Xorristowu, where he died Dec. 28th. 1873. — 
Father Mather improved or rebuilt partly the church at Car- 
lisle. He ma}' well be ranked with the most zealous and 
faithful missionaries of Southern Pennsylvania. 

The Conewago Jesuits had a lot and chapel at Carlisle, 
long before 1800. Sherman Day, in his Collections, says the 
Jesuits had a small log church there. The present brick 
church was built in 1807, and enlarged in 1823. There is 
an old graveyard attached to the church, and no doubt many 
interesting facts of Catholic history might be gathered from 
the place. It was occasionally yisited b}^ the Fathers on the 
Catholic missions in Western Pennsylvania. In 1869 
Father Kelly attended Carlisle from Chambersburg. The 
present pastor is Rev. McKenna. 

There is a tine brick parsonage adjoining the church. — 
The church Ijears evidence of age. Rev. Huber, of the York 
missions, has lately been transferred to Carlisle. 

The early Jesuit missionaries also had a log church at 
Chambersburg before 1800, where the present stone church 
stands, built in 1812. There are several old missions belong- 
ing to the Chambersburg charge, one in Path Valley, at 
Waynesboro, The Mountain Church, and at adjoining towns. 
The present pastors are Revs. Schleuter and Kaeiin. 



THE KEYSER CHURCH. 

Keyser is situated on the B. & 0. R. R., 215 miles from 



130 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Baltimore. It was formerly called New Creek, and was a 
place of little note until the B. & 0. made it their Second 
terminal division in 1874. The Catholic mission was opened 
by Rt. Rev. J. O'Sullivan, Bishop of Mobile, Ala., then pastor 
of Westernport, five miles west of Keyser. Owing to a want 
of priests in his diocese, Bishop McGill could not supply either 
Keyser or Piedmont, a large and prosperous tov/n across the 
Potomac River from Westernport. Father O'Sullivan began 
the erection of a little church in Sept., 1 874. At that time, 
Mrs. Thompson, a widow with six orphans, were the only 
Catholics in the town. Terence Corrigan and Daniel Maloney 
then lived about a mile east of the town. These three fami- 
lies comprised the congregation. The carpenter work was 
begun Sep. 14th, and the first Mass was said Sep. 20th. The 
little church stands almost on the very spot wher-e Col. James 
A, Mulligan, Twenty-Third Illinois Volunteers, Irish Brigade, 
erected a temporary chapel during the late war, in which Dr. 
Butler, of Chicago, officiated. Rev. H. J. McKeefry, of the 
Richmond Diocese, took charge of the congregation Dec. 19th, 
1875, then numbering 225 persons. During his pastorate, 
besides paying off a debt of $443, Father McKeefrN^ enhirged 
the church to twice its original size, and erected a parsonage. 
He also organized a school, which he himself taught for five 
months. This good priest suffered many privations, for shortly 
after his arrival the terminal division of railroad was removed 
back to Piedmont, leaving scarcely a dozen families to main- 
tain a priest. But this true shepherd remained with his little 
flock, when finally the railroad shops were again located at 
Keyser. After a successful pastorate of nearly three years. 
Rev. McKeefry was succeeded ii) Oct. 1878, by Rev. P. Fitz- 
simmons, assistant pastor at Staunton, Father McKeefry tak- 
ing his place. During Rev. Fitzsimmons' pastorate the church 
at Paw-Paw, Morgan Co., (Keyser is in Mineral Co..) West 
Va., 48 miles east, was assigned to Keyser as an auxiliary 
mission. After carrying on the work of his predecessors for 
nearl}^ two years, Father Fitzsimmons was called to his eter- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 131 

nal rest Aug. 4th, 1880. He is buried in St. Joseph's Ceme- 
tery, Martinsburg, where a neat marble stone marks his last 
resting place. After an interval of eight months. Rev. P. J. 
Hasty, assistant pastor of Lynchburg, Va., was called to take 
charge, April loth, 1881. This brilliant young priest, after 
a stay of four months, was removed to St. Vincent's Hospital, 
Norfolk, where he died Dec. 30th, 1881. from the effects of 
the amputation of his right leg, rendered necessary by an ab- 
scess from blood poisoning. In Aug., 1881, Rev. Eugene 
Mahony, assistant at Martinsburg, became pastor, who, during 
the short period of his stay, eight months, built a handsome 
parsonage and school house, the greater part of the work be- 
ing done b}^ himself in person. He was recalled to his own 
Diocese, Brooklyn, in April, 1882. May 29th, 1882, Rev. 
H. J. Cutlor took charge, and remained until Jan. 3d, 1883. 
He paid the remaining indebtedness, $700, incurred in build- 
ing the Pastor's house and the school house. Jan. 3d, 1883, 
Rev. Cutlor was transferred to Norfolk, as assistant to Rev. 
M. O'Keefe. On the same day, Rev. J. Frioli took charge of 
Keyser, and has proven a faithful and worthy p-astor, still 
presiding, Oct. 12th, 1885. In the Summer of 1882, a mis- 
sion was started in Elk Garden, a mining town, 13 miles from 
Piedmont, on the W. Ya. C. & P. R. R. Father Cutlor said 
Mass there several times. This mission is attended from 
Keyser. A church, 30x55 feet, was built there in the Fall of 
1883. There are now 52 families, numbering about 270 souls. 
Besides Paw-Paw and Elk Garden, Catholic families, eleven 
in number, in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, W. Ya., are 
ministered to several times a year by the Pastor of Keyser. 
During all these years, from 1876 to the present, a Cathohc 
school has been maintained in Keyser, though the number of 
school children never exceeded 35. It is now taught by Miss 
Bee Ahern, of Martinsburg, where she was principal of the 
Catholic School for a number of years, and also at Winches- 
ter. The Keyser congregation now numbers 51 families, and 
about 250 souls. At Paw-Paw there are eleven families and 
fifty-three souls. 



132 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

The Catholic church in West Virginia is just in its mis- 
sionary state, but great progress is being made everywhere. 
The Diocese of Wheehng will one day be an important one. 
There are several fine churches in Wheeling, and a large re- 
ligious scholastic institution at Mt. de Chantal. At Parkers- 
burg, Charleston, Clarksburg. Weston, Morgantown, Fairmont, 
and at most of the towns in the State, are flourishing Catholic 
congregations and zealous laborers. For want of missionary 
priests in the early settlement of this Little Mountain State, 
the church lost many of its faithful. Quite a number of 
Catholic families from Southern Pennsylvania settled through 
the Eastern Panhandle counties in the latter part of the last 
century and the beginning of the present. The Maryland and 
Conewago Jesuits followed them up as long as possible, but 
increasing age and labors, and removals b}^ death, in course 
of time confined the limit Of their ministry east of the Bhie 
Ridge. The children of these emigrants, some in Hampshire 
and adjoining counties, drifted away from tlie faith through 
the negligence of their parents and the want of religious in- 
structions. The seed of faith is still there, and being now 
cultivated by good laborers, will bring an abundant harvest 
to the church. 

We have not time to extend our researches nuich farther. 
At Grafton, Taylor Co., 100 miles from Iveyser, the Catholics 
are well established. St. Augustine's was the first religious 
organization in the town. Father Dillon celebrated Mass 
there in 1853. A church was built in 1856, and Revs. Cun- 
ningham and Malone visited the Catholics in the surrounding 
communities. The first church is now used as a parish school 
for the girls, and the first parsonage is now occupied as the 
Sisters' Home. Rev. Malone died and was buried there in 
1867. Revs. Dufly and Welsh succeeded. Father Walters. 
a wealthy priest, built the present fine church at his own ex- 
pense in 1872. He died several years ago. Rev. Keleher 
took charge in 1879. Since that schools, societies and church 
work generally, have been carried on very prosperously. — 
There are a number of Sisters at the Home, Mother Staney, 
Superior. Sister Genevieve conducts an excellent music 
department. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 133 

THE MARTINSBURG CHURCH. 



When the Diocese of Richmond was divided in 1850, Mar- 
tinsburg and a lew adjoining churches in West Virginia fell 
to the old Diocese, and are now under the jurisdiction of the 
Bishop of Richmond, Va, There were Oathohcs among the 
first settlers of the Shenandoah Yalley, who crossed the Blue 
Ridge into Virginia from Maryland and Pennsylvania as early 
as 1750. Many of the earl}^ Catholics families have died out 
or removed farther Westward, and not a few turned their 
backs upon the religion of their fathers from wordly motives. 
There have been many converts to the church since the first 
establishment. The first missionaries through here came from 
Frederick, Taneytown and Conewago. Fathers Frambach, 
Gallitzin and Zocchi rode a circuit of two hundred miles be- 
fore 1800, which extended to Cumberland and south to Win- 
chester. There is a tradition that French priests traveled 
through this valley, doing missionary work among the Indians. 
We have not been able to trace anything positive of them, 
except in regard to the Abbe Jean Dubois, who landed at 
Norfork in 1791, traveling from there to Frederick and onto 
the mountains where he founded Mt. St. Mary's. It is evident 
that he said Mass in the house of the McSherry's, who were 
among the first Catholic settlers of this valley ; and also with 
a family in the vicinity of what is now known as Orleans 
Church, where there was an old log church at an early day. 
The tradition of the French priests may also refer to Brad- 
dock's expedition, and the French and Indian wars at that 
time, and later to the French allies under Washington, as 
many of the troops in those wars traversed this country, and 
where there were French soldiers there were Catholic priests. 

Another priest who did active missionary work through 
this valley, from Hagerstown to Winchester and from Fred- 
erick and Middle way to Martinsburg and West, was Rev. 
Denis Cahill. Business transactions also called him here as 



134 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

early as 1800, as some of the law proceedings in the Berkeley 
Courts will show. He celebrated Mass in a private house 
from time to time, until the spring of 1806. when he left for 
his native Ireland. It is said the first marriage celebrated in 
Martinsburg was by Father Cahill, and that it caused consid- 
erable interest among Protestants, who at that time j^et en- 
tertained peculiar ideas about the appearance of Catholic 
priests. It is very likely, therefore, that he also said Mass in 
Martinsburg, either at the McSherry's or at the house of John 
Timmons. It is the supposition of some that Father Carroll 
visited this section, but there is no record of his labors except 
at Middleway. Richard McSherry, Sr., had a homestead near 
there, called "Retirement Farm," which was a well-known 
stopping place for the missionar}^ priests before 1800. He 
was born in 1747, died in 1822. Wm. McSheny was also 
born in that year, died in 1 834 ; they were probably broth- 
ers' children. Richard McSherry, Jr., lived in Martinsburg, 
nearly opposite the present Catholic Church. The Catholics 
were attended occasionally by priests from Frederick and 
•Hagerstown. Mass was said in the house of John Timmons 
for the period of nineteen years, probably from about 1810 
to near 1830. 

From the time Father Cahill left, 1806, to about 1820, 
we can ascertain nothing definite, but are of the opinion that 
several priests on the Maryland missions passed through the 
valley occasionally. In those early days before there were 
churches or congregations, the missionaries had different points 
through the country which thc}^ visited, where Mass was said, 
and baptisms and marriages and other ceremonies of the church 
performed. These places were mostly the houses of well 
known Catholic families. Priests from Georgetown may have 
been occasionally called to these places by sickness or death. 
The name of Anthon}^ Kohlman is remembered by some. — 
He was Superior of the Maryland Missions in 1817, and Rec- 
tor of Gonzaga College in 1821. From the baptismal registers 
we gather some names and dates, which are reliable as far as 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 135 

they go. The missionary field to which Martinsburg belonged, 
was extensive, and it is not likely that the priests were resi- 
dent anywhere much before 1840. To give some idea of the 
extent, there ai-e entries of baptisms, marriages and deaths at 
the following jDlaces, taking them as they come : Harper's 
Ferry, near Clarksburg, Valley River, North River, Bath, 
Lipper Dam, Martinsburg, Leetown, Dugan's, Waterford, 
Smithfield, Sleepy Creek, Hillsboro, Shepherdstown, Roland's, 
Winchester, Lovettsville, Loudon Co. Frederick Co., Wash- 
ington Co., Warren Co., Romney, Hampshire Co., Berkelej^ 
and Jefferson, P^ront Royal, Strasburg, &c. This was especi- 
ally the field covered by Father Whelan, though Father 
Plunkett yet attended many of these places. Is there not a 
priest or anyone in the Virginias who will do justice to the 
life and labors of Richard Whelan ? For many j-ears he kept 
the faith alive from the Ohio to the boundaries of the Poto- 
mac and the Shenandoah. He traversed hills and mountains, 
through rain and shine and cold and heat ; mau}^ a death-bed 
was gladdened by his presence, many a heart made happy 
and a soul saved through his labors. Great and grand Wits 
his charity, sincere his life and disinterested his sacrifices, for 
he sought no temporal reward and received no earthly pay. 
He is the Frambach or the Gallitzin of the Virginias. Though 
a stranger to us in a strange country, his life's work challenges 
our admiration. 

The first record is that of Rev. James Redmond, May 
30th, 1819, and his last Aug. 13th, 1821. In 1820, Father 
Redmond married a couple " in the chapel room."' Whether 
he conmienced the building of the old stone church, is not 
known. Rev. John Mahoney's name appears in 1822. Tlien 
there is no record until 1834, in which year are the names of 
Revs. Geo. Flautt and Francis B. Jamison. In 1835, the lat- 
ter baptized eight children, slaves, the property of Miss Ann 
O'Neal, of Montgomery Co. Rev. Richard Whelan's name 
appears Jan. 3d, 1835, and continuously until 1840. In 1838, 
there is the name of an assistant, Rev. Jos. Strain. Rev. P 



136 COiYEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Danalier signs himself temporary pastor in 1841. Rev. John 
O'Brien pastor from 1842 to '44, and occasionally in '45, 6 
and 7. Rev. Jos. H. Plunkett was pastor continuously from 
1844 to 1851 ; from that year until 1853, Rev. Andrew Talty 
was with him; from that time until Jan. 5th, 1856, Rev, 
Plunkett's name appears alone. Sept. 19th, 1845, baptism in 
Moorefield by Bishop Whelan. After he was Bishop of Rich- 
mond he traveled through Western Virginia more like a mis- 
sionary than a Bishop, and there are baptismal and marriage 
records by him as Bishop on many of the missions. There is 
the signature of Rev. A. Grogan once or twice from 1848 to 
'52. The only Jesuits whose names are found are Fathers 
Ciampi and Bague, about 1850. Rev. Father Leitte signed 
in 1854. Bishop McClill baptized Joseph Plunkett, of Mobile, 
in 1851. Rev. \j. E. Leonard took charge Feb. 1st, 1856, 
remaining a few months. Rev. Andrew Talt}' was pastor 
from that until 1860, with the names, occasional!}-, of Revs. 
Plunkett and W. Kenney. Rev. Thos, A. Becker was pastor 
from Jan. 1860, until 1863. So much for the records. 

The date of the erection of the first church building is 
put by some at 1828 ; others niake it 1830, by Father Red- 
mond. He must have been a Virginia priest, as his name is 
strange to us. There were about fifty Catholic families here, 
who aided liberally in the work, as did also their Protestant 
friends. The church cost about $4,000, and was located on 
the ground of the present Catholic Cemetery. He was called 
to Rome, before the church was completed. He died there, 
much beloved and regretted by the Catholics of Virginia. 

Rev. Patrick Kelley was appointed Bishop of Richmond 
when the Diocese was formed in 1820, He resided at Nor- 
folk. The Laity's Directory of 1822, says that the Catholics 
of Martinsburg, Winchester, Bath, and Shepherdstown were 
formerly attended by priests from Maryland, but in the future 
would be in charge of the priest stationed at Winchester. — 
Rev. J. B. Gildea attended the missions from 1830 until 1835. 
Besides completing the Martinsburg Church, he built St. Peter's 



I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 137 

at Harper's Ferry, and St. Yincent's in Baltimore. His name 
is not on the records. Rev. Richard Yincent Whelan took 
charge in 1836, remaining four years. He was a noble 
priest and a true missionary. He was the second Bishop of 
Richmond, consecrated March 31st, 1841. In 1846, he visited 
Wheeling, and seeing the great need of laborers in the vine- 
yard at that place, he never returned to his See. He became 
the first Bishop of Western Yirginia, and labored, died and is 
buried at Wheeling. Rev. John McGill became Bishop of 
Richmond in 1850. The Rt. Rev. James Gibbons, now Arch- 
bishop of Baltimore, succeeded him in 1872. Bishop Keane 
is the present prelate in charge of the Diocese, a very elo- 
quent and learned man, much beloved by priests and people. 
Rev. John Kain succeeded Bishop Whelan in the West Yir- 
ginia Diocese. His parents resided in Martinsburg, where he 
spent his childhood years. He had three sisters, one living, 
one in religion, and another one died from the fright of sol- 
diers entering the house during the war. His aged mother 
has just been buried at Wheeling; she was in her 81st year, 
and came to Martinsburg from Ireland fifty years ago. 

Rev. J. O'Brien succeeded Father Whelan as pastor at 
Martinsburg. about 1840, and remained seven years, Rev. 
J. H. Plunket was sent in 1 845, who commenced the erection 
of the present St. Joseph's Church on South Queen St. The 
subscription paper is dated Feb. 17th, 1850. The corner- 
stone was laid in 1850. The church was dedicated Sept. 30th, 
.1860, by Bishop McGill ; it cost about $40,000. It is a very 
substantial building, with a beautiful marble altar. The plan 
of architecture provided for a steeple, the massive stone front 
at the church being intended for its foundations. 

It is said that the old church at Martinsburg was built 
by Rev. J. B. Gildea ; he may have finished it. St. Peter's 
Church, Harper's Ferry, was built by him. He attended 
Martinsburg and the missions along the canal route. He died 
in Baltimore and is buried under the altar in St. Yincent's 
Church. This priest frequently said Early Mass at the Ferry, 



138 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

then rode on horse back to Martinsburg and said Late Mass. 
The Frederick priests attended Harper's E^erry for many years. 
It is related that some fanatical Virginians in pursuit of Rev. 
James Frambach, S. J., made him swim his horse across the 
Potomac, under fire of their guns. As we have seen, Harper's 
Ferry was served by many priests who attended Martinsburg 
and the other missions. So was Shepherdstown, which has 
never yet had a church, services being held in private houses. 
An effort is now being made to build a church. Rev. Denis 
Cahill said Mass there before 1800. Among the late pastors 
of Harper's Ferry, are Revs. Kain, Van de Vyver, O'Reilley ; 
and Wilson, lately from Petersburg, Va. He has several 
missions in Loudon, Frederick and Jefferson Counties. 

The ground for the cemetery and old church at Martins- 
burg, was given by Richard McSherry. His house was a home 
for every one in need ; priests and people, all found in him a 
friend. Mrs. McSherry, (the Anastasia of Wizard Clip,) 
would send word far and wide to gather together the few 
Catholics, so they could receive the Sacraments. His charity 
was unbounded ; many a poor Irishman owes his start in life 
to him, and she w\as equall}^ good to poor girls. 

Among the priests who occasionally attended Martins- 
burg from the Western Maryland missions were Revs. Flautt, 
Jamison and Myers, and perhaps others. Rev. John O'Brien 
left the Virginia Missions about 1858, and went to Lowell, 
Mass., where he died. The Sisters of Charity w^ere establish- 
ed in Martinsburg many years ago, probably under Rev.. 
Whelan ; the}^ left for want of support, as the congregation 
was small and poor. One of the Sisters. (Victoria we beheve,) 
died and was buried here, but whether she was afterwards 
removed to Emmettsburg. we can not ascertain. Father 
W^helan was a hard worker. He fenced in the graveyard, 
and laid a stone walk from Pendleton's coi-ner to the church- 
yard gate. With his own hands he made the large double 
cistern, still used at the new church. Unlimited was his care 
for the poor, for whom he solicited in person, and with his own 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 139 

arms would take them wood and supplies, — when going to say 
Mass in early winter mornings, some poor widow would find 
an armful of wood at her door when she awoke. He would 
give when he was in want himself. Father Phmkett was also 
a faithful missionary priest. He began the stone work of the 
present church ; for want of means work was suspended and 
the walls covered over. He was removed to Portsmouth ; 
where he built, or partly so, a large church, and died there, 
much beloved by all who knew him. Rev. Andrew Talty, 
his assistant at Martinsburg, finished the church here as far 
as funds would allow. He put wooden steps before the church, 
which were replaced with stone by Rev. J. J. Kain, who also 
finished the basement. During the War it was used by the 
Jessie Scouts for a stable for sixty horses, and the sacristy 
rooms were used as prisons. Capt. Kyd Douglass was con- 
fined there six months. The church was oidy used twice by 
the soldiers, as the wooden steps were too frail and inconven- 
ient. Rev. Talty died in Washington, in the hospital. Bishop 
Becker was a convert under Father Plunkett ; he was bap- 
tized in Winchester, made his First Communion at the Ferry 
and was confirmed in St. John's (the old church,) Martinsburg, 
Nov. 6th, 1853, by Bishop John McGill. Bishop Kain was 
confirmed by the same in 1851. He was born "near Bath," 
(probably near North Mountain,) May 22d, 1840. His par- 
ents were Jeremiah and Ellen Kain. He was ordained about 
1866. Bishop Becker was sent through the lines to Bahi- 
more by Gen. Stevenson, for praying for President Davis. — 
He was ordained in Rome about 1860 ; became Bishop of 
Wilmington in 1 868. 

There is mention of Rev. E. O'Flaherty having been sent 
to Martinsburg in Jan., 1856, but nothing is known of him 
here. 

Rev. Oscar Sears succeeded Father Becker. He remained 
until compelled to leave by ill health, when he went to Lynch- 
burg, where he died Oct. 30th, 1867. He was a convert. — 
The present parsonage was purchased when he was pastor, in 



140 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

] 866. Father Kain succeeded. He imjDroved the church in 
many ways ; built the stone steps, finished the basement so it 
could be used for school rooms, frescoed the church, estab- 
lished parochial schools and paid off many debts. He built 
the present church at Berkeley Springs, which is also an old 
Catholic mission. It was famous for its springs before the 
Revolution, and the Carrolls, Washington and other great men 
visited the place. There was a brick church there before the 
present one was built, and before that an old log church. — 
There was a Jesuit priest named Brady had a property there, 
known as the priest's place. Some Sulpitians were also there 
years ago. It is now attended several times a month by Rev. 
H. J. McKeefry, from Martinsburg. 

Rev. P. J. O'Keefe was for a time the assistant of Father 
Kain at Martinsburg. and succeeded him. Ill health compelled 
his removal. Rev. J. Kelley, of Richmond, took charge Jan. 
19th, 1874 ; he continued the good work and paid off some of 
the debts. He was succeeded Nov. 8th, by Rev. C. Van 
Quackelburg, of Natchez, Tenn. He built the church at Paw- 
Paw, and made many improvements in Martinsburg. He re- 
turned to N^atchez in 1877, and died there of Yellow Fever. 
He is kindly remembered as " Father Charles.'' Rev. John 
Docherty, of Warrenton, Ya., followed and remained until 
1880 ; paid off considerable of the debt, and was jnuch be- 
loved and respected by the people. He is now stationed at 
St. Patrick's, Richmond. Rev. O'Donohue was an assistaiit of 
Father Kelley, and remained with Father Charles ; he was 
appointed pastor of Warrenton and surrounding missions. — 
Rev. J. B. O'Reille}^ then came for a short period. He then 
became pastor of Hai jier's Ferry, and is now at Winchester, 
where he succeeded the learned Dr. O'Connel, Secretary of 
the late Council of Baltimore and now Rector of the Ameri- 
can College at Rome. 

Rev. H. J. McKeefry, the present pastor, came from 
Norfolk in ]881. He was born at Kilsea, Count}^ Uerry, 
Ireland ; took his classical course at Yisnage College, Belfast ; 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 141 

studied philosphy and theology at St. Vincent's College, Pa., 
and was ordained at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, by 
Bishop Becker, June 28th, 18TL for the Richmond Diocese. 
He is a young man, full of enei-gy and zeal in his church work. 
He is a prudent manager, a successful financier in the raising 
of money and the pnyment of purcliasing and building prop- 
erty, — abilities that may point him out in course of time for 
more imjoortant ecclesiastical stations. He is well liked by his 
congregation, who work together with him in perfect harmony 
in all church work. 

Years ago there were a good many Germans in St. Jos- 
eph's congregation, but since tlie building the B. & 0. R. R. 
the Irish form the greater part of the congregation. Their 
native fidelity to the church shows itself here. They are 
mostly poor workers on the railroad and in the shops, but in 
raising a church subscription we have seen poor men sub- 
scribe far more than they were wortli. We note this in vol- 
untary testimony to their liberality and their true Irish faith, 
which have always challenged the admiration of the christian 
world. 

In 1883, the Judge Hall property was purchased for 
$5,000 ; improvements costing $1500 were made and the 
school building remodeled this summer at a cost of $700. — 
Through the perseverance of the pastor and the generosity of 
the congregation, the whole amount has been paid. The jDar- 
ochial school was long taught in the basement of the church ; 
among the teachers were A. S. Goulden, D. C. Westenhaver, 
Mr. Kennedy, Miss B. Ahern, Miss Mary C. Doll, and others. 
The Sisters of Charity, from Kmmittsburg, took charge Sept. 
1st, ] 883. The school is very successful, there being about 
200 children in attendance. The Sisters have a large music 
class, and teach other higher branches. They have an insti- 
tution beautifully situated, and every advantage and require- 
ment for a boarding school for young ladies. The church 
membership is 1500. There is a large Sunday-school attached 
to the church ; also Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, Sanctuary 



142 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Society, St. Joseph's Cadet Corps, St. Patrick's and St. Jos- 
eph's L C. B. U. Societies, a Widows' and Orphans' Fund So- 
ciety, Knights of America, and a Catholic Drum Corps. Ad- 
joining the church is a two-story residence for the pastor, 
which has been greatly improved this j'ear. St. Joseph's 
Cemetery is a large burying ground, fronting Nor borne. — 
Many of the old Catholics of the Valley are buried here. — 
There is a priest buried there, noted in the Keyser Church 
record. 

A number of missions have been given from time to time 
at St. Joseph's : by the Jesuits Bernard Maguire and C. King, 
1866; Fathers Shea, Gaveney and another Jesuit in 1868; 
Revs. Sourer, Kreuss and Furley in 1870, when a mission 
cross was erected in the church ; Revs. Ratki and Keitz after 
that ; Revs. Elliott and Smith, four years ago ; and two years 
ago by Revs. Doyle and Brady, Paulists. The Forty Hours 
were held Oct. 4th, 1885 ; Revs. McKeefry, Frioli, Weider, 
O'Reilley, present. Bisliop O'Sullivan preached in the even- 
ing. There were 450 Comnmnicants. 

Besides Berkeley Springs, the pastor of St. Joseph's oc- 
casionally says Mass at Rock Gap, in Mr. John Neary's house 
and at Mr. Michel's, in Morgan Co. ; at Charles Minghinni's 
and Mr. Thomas's, in Back Creek Valley, Berkeley Co. The 
erection of a steeple, according to the original design of St. 
Joseph's, is now in contemplation. 

This valley has given to religion a number of priests and 
sisters. Francis Patrick Duggan, a well-known Baltimore 
priest, 'was born near North Mountain, educated at St. Charles 
and St. Mary's Seminary, John Joseph Kain, now Bishop of 
Wheeling, was born along the B. & 0., near North Mountain, 
and his pious mother carried him from there to church at 
Martinsburg. She was a noble christian woman, true to the 
country of her birth in faith and every virtue. His father 
was injured on the railroad and is buried in St. Joseph's Cem- 
etery, so is his sister ; steps are being taken to remove their 
remains to Wheeling where the mother is buried. Bishop 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 143 

Becker, though born in Pittsburg, spent his early hfe in the 
Shenandoah. John Boler, priest, was born near Kearneys- 
ville. August, son of Charles Thumel, now preparing for or- 
dination, was born in Martinsburg. Michael Ahern, student 
at St. Charles, also born here ; and Anthony McKeefry, 
student there, born in Ireland, is a brother of the pastor of 
St. Joseph's. James O'Farrel, Wm. Lynch, Edw. Tierney, 
and John Hagan, priests, were born at Harper's Ferry.- — 
Father Tierney was educated at the Propaganda and ordained 
at Rome. Wm. Dubourg, son of Richard McSherry, born in 
Martinsburg in 1824, a Novice of the Society of Jesus, died 
at Georgetown in 1845, and is buried with his fathers in St. 
Joseph's Cemetery. Bernie Doll, brother of Mary Cecilia, a 
Sister, was born in Mnrtinsburg. He deserves notice as a 
christian hero. During an epidemic of Yellow Fever at 
Shrieveport, La., he gave up a good business, accompanied 
the parish priest in his attendance upon the sick, and died at 
the bedside of the Yellow Fever patients. Sept. 7th, 1862, 
Albert, third son of Charles Carroll, of CarroUton, was shot 
by the Confederates, near Darkesville, Berkeley County, 
and buried at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Martinsburg, Sept. 9th. 
Rev. M. Costello, D. D., was at Harper's Ferry in 1860, and 
visited AVinchester monthly, Martinsburg occasionally. He 
was a promising young Irish priest, educated at All-Hallows ; 
died at Harper's Ferry Feb. 1 7th, 1867, and is buried there. 
The following young ladies of the parish became Sisters : 
Rose McGeary, Sr. Elizabeth of the Good Shepherd; Evaline 
Blondell, dec'd, Sr. Redempte, received at Philadelphia ; Car- 
oline Piet, dec'd, Sr. Samuel ; Rose Dunn, Frederick, Sr. 
Paula ; Ella Montague, Sr. Genevieve ; Maggie McDonald, 
Emmittsburg, Sr. Rose ; Mary C. Doll, Visitation, Wilmington, 
Del., Sr. Bernard ; Ella Kain, St. Joseph's, Wheeling, Sr. Jos- 
eph ; Susan V. Cunningham, Emmittsburg, Sr. liOretto; Mol- 
Ke O'Connors, Emmittsburg, now at Mt. Hope, Sr. Agnes ; 
also a Miss Neumann, niece of Father Plunkett, and a Miss 
Timmins. Bridget O'Leary. North Mountain, received at 



144 COiNEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Frederick, Sr. Madeline. Maiy Hall, a convert, daughter of 
Capt. Hall, Supt. U. S. Armory, Harper's Ferry, joined the 
Sisters of Mercy at Wilmington, N". C, as Sr. Elizabeth. 

For considerable information concerning the Martinsburg 
Church, we are indebted to Mrs. Helen Scharman, a descend- 
ant of Anastasia McSherry, nee Lilly, mention of whom is 
made by Father Finoti, in his Clip book. She is an intelli- 
gent woman, having an extensive knowledge of early local 
church history, through tradition from her grandmother and 
mother, and from personal recollection. The old Missal used 
by Prince Gallitzin on his missionary travels, is in her pos- 
session. 



The Catholic church is strongly established at Cumber- 
land, Md., both in numbers and church institutions and prop- 
erty. The Sisters have fine buildings there, and the Capu- 
chins a large monastery. P'ather Frambach, S. J., did mis- 
sionary work at Cumberland as early as 1780. The first 
church was built in 1794. The old church, St. Mary's, was 
torn down in 1850, and Carroll Hall built. The new church 
is of brick, Ionic order of architecture, is called St. Patrick's 
and was built under Rev. Obermeyer. In 1866, St. Edward's 
Academy was built, in charge of Sisters of Mercy^ Rev. F. 
X. Marshall pastor in 1833 ; Rev. Henry Myers in 1837, and 
for a number of years. He was greatly beloved and respected 
by Catholics and Protestants. Rev. B. S. Piot assistant from 
Mt. Savage until 1852, — Leonard Obermej-er, pastor. 1853, 
Rev. John B. Byrne, assistant. 1855, Rev^ P. B. Lenaghan ; 
1856, Revs. James Carney, Michael O'Reilley ; 1859, Rev. 
Geo. Flautt,.Rev. Edw. Brennan, asssistant ; 1860, Rev. Edw. 
Brennan ; successors, Revs. Edmund Didier, Father Barry, 
James Casey, Charles Damur, F. S. Ryan. 1881, Rev. F. 
Brennan ; Rev. J. Mattingly, assistant. Father Brennan died 
there several years ago; he was a very able and popular 
priest; Father McDivitt succeeded him. There are a number 
of small missions in the surrounding mining regions. 



\ 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 



145 



SOME BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Renionibor .yoiii* g>relales, nlio Iiavo »i^>ok«n to yoii tlie word of Ci;o«9. ooii- 

•iiderins' wvll tUe end <»!' tlioir ronvcr.'iatioii. and imitate their (aitli. 
Jesns Christ yesterday and to-day and the same forever.— Hr.i?. xiii., 7. 




THE MISSIONARY PRIEST GALLITZIN 



The following is from Chap. XI of Macleod'S Devotion of the B. V. in 
North America ; partly taken from a Discourse on the Life and Virtues of 
Father Gallitzin, by Very Rev. Thomas Heyden : 



* * * * As early as 179o there was one 
Father Smith who was missionary for an 
enormous district in Western .Maryland. 
Virginia, and Pennsylvania. There, lor 
forty-one yt-'ars, he toiled in humble faith- 
fulness; from fiienee his soul ascended to 
the .iudgment which his life had merited. 
It will not be uninteresting to consider 



some points in the life of this servatit of 
Mary, this glorious, although unrenowned 
pioneer of her honor in thiscountry. 

This Father Stnith, missionary of Hae- 
erstown and Cumberland in Maryland, of 
Martinsburgand Winchester in Virginia, 
of Chambersburg and the Alleghany 
mountain sweep in Pennsylvania, and 



146 



CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 



thence southward ; of far more, in a word, 
than what now constitutes the entire dio- 
cese of Pittsburg; this rival of Gomez in 
the soutli,and of Fatlier Chaumonot in the 
north ; this founder of Our Lady of Loretto 
in tlie centre of the continent, was not al- 
ways known as Father .Smith. In iiisown 
coLiutry, tlie vast Muscovite empire, then 
ruled by the Czar Alexander I., he was 
known as the Prince Augustine de Gallit- 
zin. His father, Prince Demetrius Gallit- 
zin, was ambassador of Catherine the 
Great to Holland, at the time of the mis- 
sionary's birtli. His mother, the Princess 
Amelia,wasdaughterofthat famous Field- 
marshal Count vou Schmettau who illus- 
trates the military armals of Frederick the 
Great. 

The young Gallitzin was decorated in liis 
very cradle with military titles, which 
destined nim from his birtii to the highest 
posts in the Russian army. High iii the 
favor ot the Empress Catherine, liisfather, 
a haughty and ambitious nobleman, 
dreaming only of the advancement of his 
son in the road of preferment and worldly 
honor, was resolved to give him an 
education worthy of his exalted birth and 
brilliant prospects. Religion formed no 
part of the plan of the lather, who was 
a proficient in the school of Gallic infidel- 
ity, and the friend of Diderot. It was 
carefully excluded. Special care was tak- 
en not to suffer any minister of religion to 
approacli the study room of the young 
prince. He was surrounded by infidel 
teachers. His mother, a Catholic by birth 
and early education, was seduced into 
seeming Voltairianism by the court fash- 
ion other native country, and her marri- 
age with Prince Demetrius confirmed her 
habits of apparent infidelity; we say ap- 
parent, for she retained, even in the salons 
of Paris ana in the society of Madame du 
Cliatelet. a fervent devotion to Saint Aug- 
ustine, that grand doctor of the Church 
who had been a great wordling and heie- 
tic. After the mai'iiage of the elder Gal- 
litzin with the Princess Amel.a, he 
brought her to Palis and introduced her 
to his literary infidel friends, especially 
to Diderot, iu whose company he delight- 
ed. This philosopliei- endeavored to win 
the princess over to his atheistical sys- 
tem; but though she was more than indif- 
ferent on the subject of religion, her na- 
turally strong mind discovered the hol- 
lowness of his reasoning. It was remarked 
that she would frequently puzzle llie 
philosopher by the little interrogative- 
why ? And as he could not satisfy her 
objections, she was determined to examine 
thoroughly tlie grounds of revelation.— 
Though having no religion herself, she 
wasdetermmed to instruct herchildren in 
one. She opened the Bible mei-ely for toe 
purpose of teaching her children the his- 
torical part of it. The beauty of revealed 
truth, notwithstanding the impediment of 
indifference and unbelief, would some- 
times strike her— her mind being of that 
mould which, according to Tertullian. is 
naturally Christian. 

A terrible illness called her mind back 
to God : she saw the truth and beauty of 
the Catholic faith, and she returned to the 
protection of Mary on the Feast of St. 
Augustine, in the week following the Oc- 
tave of Our Lord's Assumption. 

It is to the happy influence and bright 
example of his mother, to whom, under 
God, we must mainly ascribe the conver- 
tiion of the young Demetrius. As the 



illustrious Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose, 
consoled the mother of Augustine, when 
he used to say " that it was impossible for a 
son to be lost for whom so many tears ivere 
shed;" so we may believe that the pious 
Furstenijerg, her son's tutor, cheered, in a 
similar manner, this good lady, in her in- 
tense solicitude for a son whom she so 
tenderly loved. 

At the age of seventeen theyoung prince 
was received into tlie Church. He was, in 
the year 1792, appointed aid-de-camp to 
the .\ustrian 3eneral Vim Lilien. who 
commanded an army in Brabant at the 
opening of the flrst campaign against the 
Frencli Jacobins. The sudden death of the 
Kmperor Leopold, and ilie murder of the 
king of Sweden by Ankerstron, both sus- 
pected to be the work of the French Ja- 
cobins who had declared war against all 
kings and all religions, caused the govern- 
ments of Austria and Prussia to issue a 
very strict order disqualifying all foreign- 
ers from military offices. In consequence 
of this order theyoung Prince de Gallnzin 
was excluded. Russia not taking any 
part in the war against France, there was 
no occasion ottered to him for pursuing 
the profession of arms for which he had 
been destined by military education. It 
wastherefore determined t)y his parents 
that lie should tiavel abroad and make 
the grand tour. He was allowed twoyeais 
to tiavel; and lest, in the mean time, his 
acquirements, the fruits of a very finished 
education, might suffer, he was placed un- 
der the guidance of the Rev. Mr. 3rosius, 
a young missionary then about toembark 
for America, with whom his studies were 
to be still continued. In the company of 
this excellent clergvraan he reached the 
United States tn 1792. 

The next we need see of him is as a sem- 
inarian with the Sulpicians in Baltimore, 
November 5, 1792. In tliis moment of his 
irrevocable sacrifice of himself to God, the 
feelings of his inmost soul may be gath- 
ered fiom a letter which he wrote at the 
time to a clergvman of Mnnster, in Ger- 
many. In it he begs him to prepare his 
mother for the step he had finally taken, 
and informs him that he had sacrificed 
himself, with all that he possessed, to the 
service of God and the salvation of his 
neighbor in Ameiica, wlu.re the liarvest 
was so great and the laborers so few. and 
where the missionary had to ride frequent- 
ly forty and fifty miles a d ly, iniilcigoing 
difficulties and dangeis v\ i vdv descrip- 
tion. He adds, that he dout>tcd not his 
call, as lie was willing to subject himself 
to such arduous labor. 

j Father Etienne Badin was the flrst priest 
nrdiiined in the Fnited States; Prince 
(iallitzin was the second, and he, as early 
as 1799, was settled for life in the then 
lileak and savage region of the Alleghan- 
ies. P'lom his post to Lake Erie, from the 
Susquehanna to the Potomac, there was 
no priest, no church, no religions station 
of any kind. Think, then, of the 
inevilable labors and privations of this 
missionary; and asrain understand liow 
the devotion to Marj- has spread over 
JS'orth America. 

During long missionary excursions, fre- 
quently his bed was tlie bare floor, his 
pillow the saddle, and the co.arsest and 
most forbidding fare constituted his re- 
past. Add to this, that he was always in 
feeble health, always inflrm and delicate 
in th« extreme, and it was ever a matter 
of wonder to others how the little he ate 



i 
I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 



147 



could support nature and hold to- 
ftether so fragile a frame as his. A verit- 
able imitaior of Paul, "he was in labor 
and painfnlness, in watohins often, in 
hunger and thirst, in fastingoflen, in cold 
and nakedness."' 

When he flist began to reside perma- 
nently on this mountain, in 1799, he found 
not more thanadozen Catholics, scattered 
here and thei'e through a trackless forest. 
He first settled on a farm genei-ously left 
by the Maguire family for the mainten- 
ance of a priest. A rnde log-church, of 
some tweniy-tive or thirty feet, was suf- 
ticienl for a'eojisiderable time for ihe tiist 
Ijtlle Hock that worshipped accf>rdlng t(j 
the faith of theiilatherson the Alleghaiiy. 
He comiuenced Ills colony with twelve 
heads of families; he left behind him 
when he died six thousand devotees of 
^lary. 

Kut the population grew rapidly, sillur- 
ed t)y the saintly reputation of Father 
Smith. It was he who purcliased enoi'- 
mous tracts of land, wlio Ijuilt the grist 
and saw mill, he who found himself op- 
pressed by debt in his old age. (»f couise 
he expected his lather's iiUieritance, and 
when that i)rince died in IKOH, he was 
pressed to quit his beloved Loretto and go 
to claim his rights in Russia. His mother 
.and friends urged him to come; his pre- 
late was on tile point of commanding liini; 
but when he met Bishop (^arioll, he gave 
reasons for remaining among his flock 
which that prelate could not in the end 
refute. He stated that he h:id caused a 
great number of Catholic liimilies tosettle 
in a wild and uncultivated region, whei-e 
they formed a paiish of a considerable 
size; that the Legislature had proposed to 
esiablish lliere a county-seal ; and that 
numbers still continued to flock thither. 
The bishop at length fully acquiesced in 
his reniaining, as he could not send an- 
other in his place. Theapostolic niission- 
aiy then wrote to his mother, that what- 
ever he might gain by the voyage, in a 
tempoiril point oj vieiv, could not, in his es- 
timation, be comi-ared with the loss of a 
single soul that might be occasioned by 
his absence. 

Had he gone, it would have been in 
vain, for the Emperor and Senate of St. 
l'etersl)urg settled the question by disin- 
heriting him for " having embraced the 
Catholic faith and clerical profession."— 
Mevertheless, he hoped to slmre with his 
sister, who had inheritefl all. Mid she 
did supply him, until the ruined German 
Prince de Solm, whom she had married, 
made away her fortune as he had done 
with his own. Then came his days of 
debt, dreariest of all days to men. Hut he 
lived so that none should sutler but him- 
self. He neither ate nor drank nor was 
clothed at tht expense or loss of any cred- 
itor or others. His fare was often but 
some black bread and a few vegetables; 
eottee and tea were unknown luxuries in 
those times. Hisclothing was home-made 
and of the most homely description; his 
mansion was a miserable log-hut. not de- 
nied even to the poorest of the poor.— 
With the prodigal son of the (Jospel, but 
in a most meritoriousand heroicsense, he 
could say : " How many hired servants in 
my father's honsi,^ have plenty of bread, 
and I here perish with hunger!" 

"Being now," he says, "in my sixty- 
seventh year, burdened, moreover, with 
the remnant of mv debts, reduced from 
$18,030 to about S2,.')(I0, I had better spend 



my few remaining years, if any, in trying 
to pay off that balance, and in preparing 
for a longer journey." 

On that Loretto of his love he expended, 
from the wreck of his fortune, 8150,000.— 
So is it with the servitors of Mary. Three 
centuries ago, tney gave their bodies to be 
burned, their heads to the scalping-knife, 
their tingei-joints to the teeth of the Iro- 
quois; later, they gave their lives and 
lortunes, counting them as nothing if so 
they might win souls to Christ. 

Let his frienci and biographer tell the 
secret of all this, and thus show what a 
Muscovite prince can have in common 
with this book : 

"As lie had taken for his models the 
Lives of the Saints, the Fiancis of Sales, 
the Chailes Koiromeos. ilie Vincents of 
Paul, so like them he was distinguished 
for his tender and lively devotion to the 
Blessed Virgin ; antl he lost noopportuni- 
ty of extolling the virtues of Mary. He 
endeavored to bean imitaior of her asshe 
•was of Christ. He recited her rosary every 
evening eimoriy his household, and inculca- 
ted constantly on his people this grand 
devotion, and the other pious exercises in 
honor of .Mary. The- church in which he 
said daily Mass, he had dedicated under 
the invocation of this ever glorious Vir- 
gin, whom all nationscall blessed. It was 
in honor of Maiy , and to [dace his people 
under herpeculiar patronage, thathe gave 
Ihe n:ime of Ijoretlo to the town he found- 
ed here.afterihe far-lamed Loretto, which, 
towering above the blue wave of the Ad- 
riatic, on the Italian coast, exhibits to the 
Christian pilgrim the hallowed and mag- 
niticenttemple which contains the s.ainted 
shrine of Mary's hvmble house imvhich she 
at Nazareth, heard annoiiiiced the mystery of 
the Incarnation, and which the mariners, 
as they pass to encounter the perils of the 
deep.or return in sMfet>' from them, salute, 
chanting the .joyous hymn, Ave Maris 
Stella! Foi-, like St. John, he recognized 
in her a mother recommended to him by 
the words of the dying Jesus: "He said to 
the disciple, liehold \hy mother!" And 
so, when the frame was worn out in her 
service and her Son's, he went up to see 
her face on high. 



JAS. PELLENTZ, S. J. 

Of this worthy missionary priest, 
we have little more to add, except the 
record of his death. He began pre- 
parations for the building of the 
Church of the Sacred Heart at Coue- 
wago in 1785, and completed the 
walls and roof in ITS"? ; Fathers De 
Barth and Lekeu had pews put in, 
stone steps erected infiont, procured 
bell and large organ ; cupola put up, 
and made other improvements. — 
Father Steinbacher had the interior 
painted. Father Enders built school 
houses, put up iron fence, made cru- 
ciform addition, with paintings, 
erected steeple and marble altar, and 
made great improvements on all the 
Chapel property. Father Pellentz 



148 



CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 




was b 
death 
name 
land, 
it the 



also built the house adjoining, and 
the old farm buildings, besides sev- 
ei'al smaller log houses along the hill 
that have long since disappeared.— 
His name is spelled " Pellentz." but 
wherever found on the old writings 
it is "Peliantz," doubtless from the 
German. He is buried under the 
church which he built, but all trace 
of his grave is lost. The nearest that 
can be ascertained is towards the 
soutli wing, and there is no telling 
but what his remains have been dis- 
tuibed by the construction of foun- 
dations and the digging of a gang- 
way towards the front of tlie church 
to put in the furnact^ and heaters. — 
The record of his death is in Latin, as 
are all the early records and maybe 
thus reudeied : Ou tiie 13th of 
March, of the year 1800 at half-past 
seven a. m., died James Pellentz. and 

uried on the loth. He dies in peace, by the grace of Him who by his 
regenerated him. Not death, but life, rather should it be called. The 
of Pellentz has many claims to consideration. A stranger in a foreign 
he erected this house and church, and witli zeal and devotion he made 
object of his life to gather ni'^n within the fold of the Church. 




CHUKCH OF THE SACKED HEART. 

Taken without the steeple, so as to look like the old church before improv- 
ed. At tlrst it had a small wooden moss on the front nt^nU of the root'. Near the lop of 
the front wall is a stone with the tisnies 17.^7 ent in. Below a circular scroll work with 
the letters I. S. H., is a heart cut in stone or marble. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 149 

JAMES FRAMBACH, S. J. 



This was the companion of Father Pellentz. His name is spelled 
" Froinbach " and Frambach ; the first probably correct ; the last most gen- 
erally nsed. The extent of his missionary labors cannot be comprehended. 
His death record is entered at Conevvago. probably becausH he labored there 
so long, or it may be that the priest who ministered at his death was either a 
Conewago priest at the time or afterwards, as few of the entries were made 
at the time of death, but seem to have been entered or copied very irregularly 
in every way. We infer that the priests on the missions befox'e 1800 kept 
their records something like memoranda just as they went, and these were 
brought together later, some at Conewago and some elsewhere perhaps, and 
entered by other hands. He died at St. Inigoes. Md.. and if we are correctly 
informed, nothing marks the place. Tlie record reads : On the 27th of Aug.. 
1795, died Father James Frombach, professed Of the Society, at tiie age of 
73. He lived here for ten years, a year and a half at Lancaster, and later at 
Frederick. He came to America in 1758, from the Province of Lower Ger- 
many, with Father Pellentz and two other Jesuits. He traveled the country, 
strengthening tepid christians ; and was a source of edification to all by his 
devotion, zeal, meekness, obedience, modesty and patience. He suffered 
for years from ulcerations of the legs and arms, and finally, full of merits, 
he died of a contagious fever, in St. Mary's County, strengthened with all 
the rites of the Church. 

Father Finotti says, that owing to the scsrcity of Catholic books in the 
early days of this country, he copied the whole of the Roman Missal, presei v- 
ed. he thinks, in Georgetown College. The same is said of Theodore Schnei- 
der, S. J., the first priest of Goshenhoopen. 

Some descendants of the Baxters, (who lived somewhere between 
Hagerstown and Frederick in early times, and which was a stopping place on 
Father Frambach 's travels. ) now belong to Father Manley's mission at Hag- 
erstown. They relate as a tradition from their grandmother, that Father F. 
traveled (ui horseback and stayed all night at their house. After it had been 
noticed for a longtime that his clothes were very poor, they made a suit of 
homespun and laid it on the bed in his room. When he came again he went 
to his room,, but returned immediately to the kitchen, and said that some- 
body's clothes were on his bed. Being told that they were for him, he ex- 
claimed, " A new suit for me ! well, then I must go and try it on." When 
he came down again, he walked up and down the kitchen floor, veiy much 
overjo3'ed that he had better clothes to wear. This shows the pious humility 
and humble sincerity of that truly noble missionary priest. 



BISHOP JOHN TIMOX. 



About the year 1790, Edw. Reily, Sr., came from Ireland and settled on 
a tract of land adjoining the estate of S»muel Lilly. It was close by the 
Conewago, which winds through the valley with many a curve and crook. — 
At that time, the lands along the creek were covered with heavy timber, — 



150 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

remnants of the old forests yet remain. The great, clums}' wheels of an old 
mill creaked in the quiet stillness of the night, and from the rippling waters 
rose a heavy miot that disappeared over the tree tops, with the earliest rays 
of the morning sunlight. It must have been a wild and romantic place. — 
Even now, the broad fields, bordered with woodland ; the sounds of a dash- 
ing waterfall that drives a mill near by : and large farm buildings scattered 
around, form a scene of rural beauty, the grandest in the valley. Just over 
the hill-tops, about a mile away, rises the beaatiful spire of old Conewago.— 
In 1796, the father of Bishop Timon came from Ireland and with his mother 
the Bishop. They lived in a log house, adjoining the residence of Edw. 
Reily, probably the temporary home of the Reily family until they liad built 
themselves a house. There was born the future Bishop of Buffalo. John Ti- 
mon, Feb. 12th, 1797. In 1803, they moved to Baltimore, and afterwards to 
Missouri. About 1830, after the death of Bt ruey. a brother of Edw. Reily, 
the log house of Bishop Timon was moved up to the public road and made a 
home for the widow. Margaret Reily, grandmother of the writer. About the 
earliest recollection we have is of the old log house, with its dark looking 
cellar and crumbling walls. It was torn down about 1860. and the logs used 
in building an old stable on the same lot. after the death of Daniel Reily, the 
property of Lewis Will. It has been enlarged since, but the old part yet re- 
mains. Father Timon was ordained priest by Bishop Rosatti in 1825. He be- 
came a great missionary priest in Missouri, Texas, and other States. Many 
touching incidents of his missionary life are related. He was an able man, a 
good speaker, and kind and generous to a fault. His vocation was a mission- 
ary life, and it was never his ambition or his will to be elevated above an 
humble missionary priest. As a Bishop he had trials, troubles and tribula- 
tions, but he passed through them all with that spirit of right and duty which 
governed him in early life. He was consecrated Bishop in 1847 : died April 
16th, 1867 ; and was buried under the altar of the Cathedral in Buffalo. He 
visited Conewago once or twice during his life. — once about the year 1856, 
when the name of this saintly priest and noble prelate was conferred upon us, 
to bear it, the most unworthy. The life of Bishop Timon is worthy of study 
and of imitation. Conewago is blessed in having given him birth. 



GEORGE YILLIGER, S. J. 

No priest had more devoted friends on the Conewago missions than 
''Little" Father Villiger. His disposition vsas so gentle and amiable that 
he could never have given any offense. He was born in Switzerland, Sept. 
14th, 1808, and died at Conewago, Wednesday morning, Sept. 20th, 1882, 
and was buried there Friday morning following, at 8 o'clock. He entered 
the Society Oct. 4th. 1838. and came to this country in 1843. He was ordained 
at Georgetown by Archbishop Eccleston. July 22d, 1844, and sent to Cone- 
wago. The Paradise, Gettysburg, Millerstown and the Mountain territory 
comprised his mission, and there he labored faithfully for a number of years. 
Wherever a few Catholics could be found, he was sure to hunt them up, instruct 
their children and keep the faith in them alive. He was full of zeal and 
energy in his sacred calling. He served several Maryland missions, and was 
Superior at Bohemia from 1862 until 1878. Father Villiger was a good 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 151 

scholar, and always ready to give a reason for the faith that was in him. — 
His "■ Letters to a Protestant Minister by a Catholic Priest." give a clear ex- 
position of the doctrines of the Catholic religion. After the death of Father 
Deneckere, he was sent to Conevvago again, and attended Littlestov^^n until 
his death. Age and years of active labor were then already laying a heavy 
hand upon him, but like a true Jesuit warrior, he would rather die at his 
post of duty than surrender God's peace be with him. May that genera- 
tion with whom his memory is most dearly cherished, never forget to breathe 
a prayer for the repose of the soul of their spiritual father in days gone by, — 
he who taught them their catechism, prepared them for the Sacraments of 
the church, wliich he administered to many. 



PETER MANNS, S. J. 



He was born in the Diocese of Limburg, Province of the Rhine, Germany, 
June 25th, 1810, and studied there. He lived in the Archdiocese of Cologne. 
Studied twelve years, theology and philosphy five years. Entered the So- 
ciety March 20th, 1853, and was ordained June 17th. He labored in Mary- 
land and Massachusetts, and was sent to Cunewago June 4th, 18(32. His 
health, which was rated " middling " when entering the Society, has been 
failing for a number of years, and he walks with perceptible pain and diffi. 
calty, for he is getting old in years as well as in the labor and service of God. 
The schools were his especial object for many years. In matters of discip- 
line and morality he is unusually strict; and, though his ideas and views 
are not in harmony vrith the progress of the age, no one hereafter or even in 
this world, will regret having followed his advice. In piety and humility 
he is worthy of imitation ; the lives of the saints are his daily spiritual food, 
and It is their examyjle he tries to follow. If he has faults, they are not of 
the mind or heart nor intention. He expects to be judged by his conscience, 
and scrupulously follows its dictates. If he has suffered much for it, his 
reward will only be the greater. The Society has learned men and popular 
priests, but it has no more faithful worker than Father Manns. His spiritual 
children are numbered by the thousand, and it ma}- be truthfully said that 
he is always in his confessional. A scrap of a report to his Superiors, for the 
first few j-ears he was on the Conewago missions, carries out our estimate of 
his labors: Confessions at Littlestown 1200, at Paradise 8306, at Conewago 
6200 ; General Confessions, of which he was a great advocate, 309 ; sermons 
282 : Catechisms 434 ; converts 9 : Retreat to Sisters 1. 



F. X. DENECKERE, S. J. 



Father Deneckere left all to follow Christ. He was of a distinguished 
family, and his whole appearance and carriage were in keeping with his 
princely blood, but he labored among the humble and lowly with the same 
zeal and charity as though he were the poorest of them. His family, with 
the exception of one brother, were all religious. Two of his sisters were 
nuns of Notre Dame, Paris ; and a brother, who died young, was also a 



152 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Jesuit. Bishop Guy De Neckere, of New Oi-leans, was his uncle. They were 
a family of saints. His love for his faith we have already seen in his works. 
His sermons were most sublime, and his perfect style of oratory inspired 
every one with awe and devotion. A man of his eloquence and ability would 
never have been sent to retirement at Conewago, except to give his active 
mind and wonderful energy the necessary occupations on a laborious mission, 
that best assured their safety. His disposition and temperament were too 
excitable to come in contact with a jarring world. Yet he was the kindest 
of men, the truest of friends, and self-sacrificial of all he possessed, dying in 
the very performance of his duty. He was born in the Diocese of Bruges, 
Flanders, Feb. 2d, 1810 ; and died at Littlestown. Adams Co., Pa., Wednes- 
day, Jan. 8th. 1879, at 5 o'clock P M. He entered the Society in the Diocese 
of Ghent, Sept. 16th, 1844, and after his ordination was sent with Father 
Enders to the Maryland missions. 

He was a great teacher and student all his life ; he was a good French 
scholar, and his favorite authors were those of his own nationality. He sel- 
dom or never spoke of himself, and all we heard from him of his own life 
■was that he spent his vacations at school. As a boy he was fond of the inno- 
cent amusements of youth, and when a teacher in his old age. nothing gave 
him greater pleasure than to assist in making the play-time of the scholars 
exciting and amusing, always planning something new for their enjoyment. 
He was exceedingly strict and systematic in all things. Nothing was too 
laborious for him, if it added to the greater honor and glory of God and the 
salvation of souls, or aided in making the ceremonies of the church or its re- 
ligious devotions still more grand and inspiring. He had a saintly devotion 
to the Blessed Virgin, and her rosary was his constant companion. He had a 
great aversion to criminals, and would not remain at the church dining the 
burial of any who had taken their own life, or those who died refusing to be 
reconciled to their God. His solicitude for the conversion of sinners was 
unbounded. He was called from the school-room one day to attend a dying 
man who for years had neglected his duties ; but all efforts to reclaim him 
had been fruitless. He left the mau, ordering that he should be sent for at 
once if he showed signs of returning grace. He came back to the school- 
room, leaving his horse in waiting, and with his scliolars he went up to the 
church before St. Francis Xavier's altar, (his favorite place.) to pra}^. A lit- 
tle after noon, word reached him that the dying man had relented and sent 
for him. Had he been a boy of sixteen years instead of an aged man, he 
could not have reached his carriage any quicker, and as we watched him 
going out the road it seemed every minute as if his carriage must be dashed 
to pieces at the rate he was driving. The object of his prayers and solicitude 
for years, was reconciled to the church ; and the joy and happiness it gave 
him could not be concealed the remainder of that day. Father Deneckere 
practiced the confidence in that supplication in prayer which he taught by 
word of mouth. His first recourse in all things was to prayer. For years, 
the Processions of the Blessed Sacrament on Corpus Christi were the dearest 
objects of his devotion. No time or labor was spared to make them grand 
and inspiring, and great was his sorrow and regret if anything interfered 
with their success. One year. Corpus Christi morning dawned with many 
indications of showers, as characteristic of spring days as snow-storms are 
of fall weather. Everything was in readiness for the Procession to start. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 153 

and thousands of people were waiting, yet the black clouds overhanging 
were too threatening to venture out with the Blessed Sacrament. Father 
Deneckere had been watching the weather intently, and after a time his ab- 
sence was noticed. Those in charge sought him everywhere, and at last 
went to his room where they found him deeply engaged in prayer. Soon 
after the clouds parted, the sun shone forth, and the Procession went on in 
its usual splendor to a happy ending. Though the skeptic mock his inten- 
tions, he must aJmire his faith. Many feared him for the moment, but 
memory has nothing but love and respect for him now. Noble priest, dear 
Father I But for thee we would never have had a taste of that Pierian Spring 
of wMiich thou didst drink so deeply ; and better not, perhaps, for regret is 
the more poignant over wasted opportunities ; over what might be and is not, 
or could be and caunot. Still far from us be ingratitude. The happiest days 
of our life, and the saddest, are those filled with the uiemory of this saintly 
teacher "s virtues. R. I. P. 

Nearly all of the older priests at Conevvago were born beyond the seas ; 
of their native homes and childhood days, whether in some quiet mountain 
place, by lake or river, or quaint historic town, little is known, for their lips 
were ever sealed by the virtues they practiced. Many a time, perhaps, 
cherished memories came over them that swayed every generous impulse of 
the heart, like the soft south-wind that brings new life to the fields in spring- 
time, but they died away again as the distant peal of thunder, leaving no 
trace of the mighty forces disturbed. About 1870. two small boys, sons of 
Gen. Ewing, who represented this government in some capacity in Fi-auce, 
spent a few days at Cone wag). Fatlier Deneckere, in company with a few 
of his school boys, took them down to seethe Blue Spring one beautiful after- 
noon in October. He asked them many questions in French of what they 
had seen aud heai'd in Paris, which they simply answered in the affirmative 
or negative, for their youthful minds were captivated with the attractions 
around them, and they ran now here, now there, chmbing a tree or search- 
ing for something to throw in the water ; the venerable priest's thoughts 
must have been carried back many, many years ago, to scenes remembered 
in his own dear Belgium for tears stole down from his bright, flashing eyes, 
and he turned away from their joyful capers to hide his own sad emotions. 

With scrupulous correctness Father Deneckere regarded all holy things, 
and paid the highest reverence and veneration to the sacredness of raligion 
in the performance of all the ceremonies of the Church. It was nothing 
unusual to find him in the church before the Blessed Sacrament at night 
when about to retire, and regularly at five o'clock in the morning at the altar 
saying his Mass. Well can we apply to him the words of the great Lamar- 
TINE, and thus siiow the exalted thoughts and devotions of his inmost soul, 
for wei have no language at our command to picture the grandness of the in- 
ner life of this beloved Father and pure and noble priest : 

" Hail ! sacied tabernacles, where thou, O Lord, dost descend at the voice of a mor- 
tal ! Hail, mysiterious altrir, where faith comes to receive its immortal food. When 
llie last hour of the day has groaned in thy solemn towers; when its last beam fades 
and dies aw^y in the dome : when the widow holding her child by the hand has wept 
on the pavement, and retraced her steps like a silent ghost ; when the sigh of the dis- 
tant organ seems lulled to rest with tneday to awaken again with the morning ; when 
the nave is deserted, and the Levite attentive to the lamps of the holy place, with a 
slow step hardly crosses it again— this is the hour when I come to glide under the ob- 
scure vault, anci to seek, while nature sleeps. Him who aye watches ! Ye columns, who 
veil the saered asylums where my eyes dare not penetrate, at the feet of thy immove- 
able trunks 1 come to sigh. Cast over me your deep shades, render the darkness more 



154 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

obscure, and the silence more profound! Forests of porphyry and marble, the air 
which the soul breathes under thy arches is full of mystery and of peace ! Let love and 
anxious cares seek shade and solitude under llie green shelter of groves, to sootiie 
their secret wounds! O darkness of tlie sanctuary, tlie eye of religion prefers thee to 
the wood which the breeze disturbs. Nothing changes thy foliage, thy still shade is 
the image of motionless eternity! Eternal pillars, where are the hands that formed 
thee? Quarries, answer, where are they? Dust, the sport of winds, our hands which 
carved the stone, turn to dust before it, and man is not Jealous ! He dies, but his holy 
thought animates tlie cold stone, and rises to heaven with thee. Forums, palaces, 
crumble to ashes, time casts tliem away with scorn ; the foot of the traveller wno tram- 
ples upon them laj's bare their ruins; but as soon as tire bloclj of stone leaves the side 
of the quarry, and is carved for Tiiy temple, O Lord, it is thine ; Thy shadow imprints 
upon our works the sublime seal ofTliineown immortality? Lord, I used to love to 
pour out my soul upon the summit of mountains, in the nightof deserts, beneath rocks 
where roared tlie voice of mighty seas, in presence of heaven, and of the globes ot 
flame whose pale fires sprinkle the fields of air ; me thought that my sonl oppressed be- 
fore immenslt.y, enlarged itself witliin me, and on tlie winds and floods, or on the 
scattered fire, from thought to thought, would spring to lose itself in Thee ; I sought 
to mount but thou vouchsafest to descend ! Thou art near to hear us. Now I love tlae 
obscurity! Inhabited alone by Tliee and by death, one Hears from afar the flood of 
time which roars upon tliis border of eternity ! It seems as if our voice, whicli only is 
lost in the air, concentrated in these walls by this narrow space, resounds better toour 
soul, and tliat the holy echo of thy sonorous vault, bears along with it the sigh which 
seeks Thee in its ascent to lieaven, more fervent before it can evaporate. How can it 
signify in what words the soul exliales itself before its autlior ? Is there a tongue equal 
to tlie ecstacy of the heart? Whatever my lips may articulate, this pressed blood 
which circulates, this bosom which breathes in Thee, this heart which beats and ex- 
pands, these bathed eyes, this silence, all speak, all pray in me. So swell the waves at 
the rising of the king of day, so revolve the stars, mute with reverence and love, and 
Thou comprehendest their silent hymn. All, Lord, in like mannei, comprehend me. 
Hear what 1 pronounce not; Silence is the highest voice of a heart that is overpower- 
ed with Thy glory ! " 

Or, with the celebrated Lavater, on finding himself in a Catholic 
Church, exclaim : 

" He doth not know Thee, O Jesus Ciirist, who dishonoreth even Thy shadow? I 
honor all things, where I find the intention of honoring Thee, 1 will love them be- 
cause of Thee. 1 will love them provided I find the least thing vvliich makes me re- 
member Thee! What then do I behold here? What do I hear in this place? Does 
nothing under these majestic vaults speak to me of Thee? This cross, this golden 
image, is it not made for Thy honor ! The censer which waves round the priest, the 
gloria sung in the choirs, the peaceful liglit of tlie perpetual lamp, these lighted 
tapers,— all is done for Thee. 

Wliy is the Host elevated, if it be not to honor Thee. O .Tesus Christ, who art dead for 
love ofns? because it is no more, and Thou art it. the believing churcli bends the 
knee, It is in thy house alone that these children, early instructed, make the sign of 
the cross, that their tongues sing thy praise, and that they strike their breasts thrice 
with their little hands. It is for love of Thee, O Jesus Christ, that one kisses the spot 
which bears Tliy adorable blood; for Thee, the child who serves, sounds the little bell 
and does all that he does. The riches collected from distant countries, the magnifi- 
cence of chasubles, all that has relation to Thee. Why are the walls and theliigh altar 
of marble clotlied with verdant tapestry on the day of the Blessid Sacrament ? For 
whom do they make a road of flowers ? For whom are these banners embroidered ? 
When the Ave Maria sounds, is it not for Thee ? Matins, vespers, prime, and nones, 
are thty not consecrated to Thee ? These bells within a thousand towers, purchased 
with the gold of whole cities, do they not bear Thy image cast in the very mould? Is 
It not for Thee that they send forth their solemn tone ? It is under Thy protection, O 
Jesus Christ, that every man places himself who loves solitude, cliastity, and pover- 
ty. Without Thee, the orders of St.. Benedict and St. Bernard would not have been 
founded. The cloister, the tonsure, the breviary, and the cliaplet, render testUnony 
of Thee, O delightful rapture, Jesus Christ, forThy disciples to trace the marks of Thy 
finger where the eyes of the world see them not'! O .joy ineffable for souls devoted to 
Thee, to behold in caves, and on rocks, in every crucifix placed upon hills, and on the 
high-ways, thy seal and that of thy love ! Who wilt not re.joice in tlie honors of which 
Thou art the object and the soul ? Who will not shed tears in hearing tlie words, 'Jesus 
Christ be praised?' O the hvpocrite who knoweth thatnameandanswereth not with .joy, 
amen. Who saith not with an intense transport, Jesus be blessed for eternity, eterni- 
ty. 



J. B. EMIG, S. J. 



This venerable and distinguished Father was born July 26th, 1808, at 
Bensheime. Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Diocese of Magunties. He 
arrived at Baltimore July 27th, 1832, after a voyage of sixty-tbree days. He 
entered the Society Sept. 24th, 1832, at White Marsh, Prince George County, 
Md., and completed his studies at Frederick ; was ordained priest March 12th, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 155 

1839. His labors have been very great and useful, and as a missionary priest 
he is unsurpassed, his sermons being all deep and logical, as well as most 
impressive. He considers that he was miraculously directed to Conevfago ; 
having been uncertain of his whereabouts, and imagining he was near Mt. 
St. Mary's. For several years he taught in the St. Louis University, Louis- 
ville, and other western places, and came East about the year 1852. The 
greater jiart of the time then he spent at Frederick, preparing young men 
lor the priesthood, and also doing missionary work in the surrounding 
States. He was sent to Hanover in 1877, and has now completed there a 
magnificent church, costing over 5520,000, all paid for. At present he is rais- 
ing subscriptions to frescoe the church, which will cost about S1400. In 
Sept., 1882, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee at Hanover with a High Mass, 
and received many marks of the respect and esteem in which he is hold by 
the congregation. His health has been declining for a number of years, and 
he is a great sufferer all the time, but bears all patiently and with peifect 
resignation. He has his room at Mr. S. Althoff s, where he boards, but 
sleeps m the sacristy of the church. We hope he will be spared yet many 
3-ears. 

J. B. COTTING, S. J. 



We have no dates in the religious life of Father Getting. He w'as born 
about the same year Father Enders was : they studied and were at the 
Novitiate together. He was a native of Switzerland, and came to America 
about the year 1845. He was a faithfal laborer on the Conewago missions. 
Father Gotting was an active missionary, and vvas noted for his many jokes 
and great sprightliness, but his influence was unbounded. At one time 
when in St. Louis, he was trying to get his German congregation to buy a 
graveyard, but they did not seem inclined to furnish the money. You will 
not purchase a grave yard, said he ; but remember what 1 tell you : When 
the day of Judgment comes you will be bui'ied among the Yankees and the 
Irish. You know their tricks. They will jump up and steal your bones, 
and you will have norse with which to appear at judgment. This argument 
was so convincing that they iiave in immediately, and the purchase was 
made. 

About the time he attended the York Gongregatiou. the Hanover Junc- 
tion Railroad was made, and anyone who traveled that road will remember 
the long waiting at the Junction. Father Gotting used to say that he could 
go to York with his horse quicker than the cars could go, and he really did 
succeed on one occasion in getting ahead of them. The Irish laborers were 
devoted to him, and presented him with a fine cai-riage. 

He labored several years at Gonewago. and after that in Prince George 
Co., Md.. and is still stationed in that State. His life, like those of his com- 
panions living and dead, is filled with go.od deeds, and usefulness in the So- 
ciety. His labors everywhere were crowned with success. The old people 
at Gonewago and Paradise, recall with great pleasure their recollections of 
the days of dear Father Gotting. 

At one time when he was attending the South Mountain Ghurch, a Ger- 
man complained to him that he never gave them German sermons. Come to 



156 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

my room, said he. The man went, and locking the door, Father Cotting 
made him sit down and preached to him over an hour in German. Now, 
said he, never complain any moi-e about my sermons. He was stationed for 
a number of years in the lower counties of Maryland. He was riding out 
one day and passed the house of a Protestant minister, who was feeding his 
hogs. "■ Why, Father Cotting," said the minister, " you seem to have a great 
deal of time to ride about ; how does it happen i"' '' Oh !" said Father Cot- 
ting, "you see, your reverence, I haye no children to support and no hogs to 
feed. " He was always traveling for the salvation of souls, and God crowned 
his labors with great success. 



JOSEPH ENDERS, S. J. 

Rev. Joseph Enders. S. J., died at the Novitiate, Frederick, Md., Sept. 
10th, 1884, and was buried there Sept. 12th ; aged 77 years, 9 months and 23 
days. 

What does this simple notice not contain '? A life-time of years spent in 
the practice of every Christian virtue, and a life so full of good and exem- 
plary works that it seems a pity to bury it in the humble and scanty records 
of so great a Society as that of Jesus, in which tliere is little individuality in 
life and less in death. It knows when a member entered the Society and 
when he departed this life, outside of that it is as silent as the grave. Its 
members have their being together in life and share each other's merits in 
death ; the highest is the lowest and the lowest is the highest— Jesuits. — 
Since they are so humble as to forget self and live for others, how dare we 
of the world disregard their wishes and their humility, and speak of what 
they live to forget — thenaselves. But we are to remember our prelates who 
have spoken to us the word of God, considering well the end of their conver- 
sation and imitating their faith ; and how can we do this better than by re- 
moving the veil of humility which in life hid their greatest virtues from the 
sight of men, that seeing and admiring the good they have done we may be 
moved to overcome our wordly attachment and draw closer to those heaven- 
ly desires which the inspired Word tells us are most necessary to the end for 
which we were created. 

Father Enders was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. I7th, 1806. His par- 
ents were farmers, and pious people who taught him from the cradle the 
practice of his holy religion. At an early age he expressed his desire to be- 
come a priest, and his father took him to the nearest town to begin his stud- 
ies. At the age of twenty-five he was ordained a secular priest in the diocese 
of Munich. Later he felt drawn to the Society of Jesus, and entered that 
order in a novitate of Switzerland, Sept. 28th, 1836. He came to this coun- 
try soon after, and was sent to Conewago. Adams County, Pa., of which 
community he became Superior in 1847. From 1863 to 1869, he was Superior 
at Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Md. He was returned to Conewago in 
1871 as Superior. July 1st, 1884, Father P. Forhan took his place. He was 
then getting old and feeble and suffering from a painful ulcer at his leg. — 
Though the body was weak the will was strong, and he took the change very 
hard, — complaining that now he was no longer of any use. He continued to 
say Mass and very often forgot that he was no longer Superior. In the win- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 157 

ter q£ 1884, he was removed to Frederick whei-e his declining days could be 
made more easy. Saturday, Aug. 16th, 1884, the writer visited him there. 
He seemed in good health and spirits, having said his Mass that morning. — 
He asked all about Conewago, expressed a desire to see it once more, but 
thought the end was near, for which he was ready and waiting. 

Father Enders, with Fathers Emig and Cotting still living, was the last 
of the missionary priests who labored at Conewago. Fathers Greaton, Wap- 
peler. Manners, Frambach, Pellentz, and others, were the pioneer mission- 
aries of Southern Pennsylvania. They began the settlement and put up the 
primitive churches. Fathers De Barth, Lekeu and others, followed from 
1800, and kept the growing Church together ; they began the improvements 
demanded by a growing age. Fathers Enders and Deneckere came before 
1850, and attended the missions that are now surrounded by populous towns 
and have resident pastors. We have already seen how much Conewago is 
indebted to the labors of Father Eaders. For fifty years he lived only for 
those in his charge. Year in and year out with him was a continual round 
of works of mercy and charity. Day or night, rain or shine, sick or well, 
DUTY was to him an imperative command. Rest he never knew, and never 
thought of liis own wants. All were his friends, and he was a friend to 
everyone. Kind, humble, patient, warm-hearted, hospitable and hard- 
working, — in life and in death resigned to the will of God. 



REV. ADOLPHUS LEWIS DE BARTH (Walbach) was at Conewago oflf 
and on from 1800 to 1828. He became manager of the estate in 1811, for 
those who held the title (m the part of the Society, and was at that time a 
resident of Adams County, according to the Letter of Attorney from Rev. 
Francis Neale. on file in the Recorder's office of said county. Father De B. 
was the sou of Cojnt De Barth and Maria Louisa de Rohme ; born at Muns- 
ter. Upper Rhine, Nov. 1st, 1764 ; ordained atStrasburg in 1790 ; driven from 
France by the Revolution, he came with his father to America ; assigned to 
missionary duty by Bishop Carroll, he labored at Bohemia Manor, Lancas- 
ter, and Conewago ; was Vicar General to Bishop Egan, and after his death 
Administrator of tlie Diocese, and himself twice declined the Bishopric. — 
He was the brother jf Col. John De Barth Walbach, U. S. A. Father De B. 
is remembered by some of the old citizens of Conewago, as a very earnest, 
faithful priest, and a cultured man. He was very severe and strict. Many 
little incidents are related of him, by which he is remembered. Some 
friends at Littlestown once gave a dinner to the Fathers, to which the young 
gentry of Conewago were invited. The learned Father White, then a stu- 
dent, was spending some time at Conewago for the benefit of his health.— 
He joined the company. When Father De Barth saw the young student and 
Miss Sallie Lilly coming riding together, he was very much displeased, and 
after dinner they ordered their horses and returned to the Chapel. After 
that he would not allow him to ride out with young ladies. In former 
times the Fathers frequently dined out, but seldom within our recollection. 

The names of two distinguished priests are met with at Conewago, who 
deserve a short notice, for few are acquainted with their history ; they are, 
Rev. Virgil Barber, in 1836. and Father Samuel Barber, about 1845. Daniel 
Barber, a Congregationalist minister in New England, became a Catholic in 



158 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

1816. Virgil Barber, his son, also a Protestant minister, entered the Church 
with his father. He was born May 9th, 1782 ; went to Rome in 1817, was 
ordained there, labored in Pennsylvania and Maryland, became Professor 
of Hebrew in Georgetown College, where he died March 37th, 1847. Mrs. 
Virgil Barber and their four daughters became Sisters, and the son, Samuel, 
joined the Society of Jesus. 

REV. JOSEPH HERONT was born in Lyons, France, Nov. 2d, 1755. He 
came to America in 1794, and purchased "■ Herontford." near Pigeon Hills, 
afterwards the *•' Seminary Farm." Aug. 1st, 1812, he was ordained, and 
admitted to the Order of St. Sulpice : he was for a short time occupied on 
the missions of lower Maryland ; was Treasurer of St. Mary's College, Bal- 
timore ; and in Nov., 1817, went to the Island of Martinique, where he died 
April 8th, 1818. He was not related to Rev. John Tessier, President of St. 
Mary's, but bequeathed the farm to him as Superior when he prepared to 
enter that Order. Rev. Louis Regis Deluol, connected with the "Seminary 
Farm " as President of St. Mary's, was a priest in France several years bo- 
fore he came to this country. He returned to France near about 1850. and 
died in Paris, Oct. 15th, 1858. 

Father Matthias Manners, (Sittensberger,) the first resident pastor at 
Conewago, about 1750, was born Sept. 29th. 1719. in the Diocese of Augs- 
burg, Germany ; labored in Maryland and Pennsylvania ; died at Bohemia. 
June 17th, 1775. 

Father Bernard Diderick, from Belgium, a Walloon, is referred to in 
Father Lambing's Researches. He was at Conewago in the earJy part of 
Father Pellentz's pastorate, and we have alluded to him as Fr. '" Deti'ick." 

BARON DE BEELEN.— This was a man of some distinction in his time, 
and as he is buried at Conewago, we give a short sketch '" When Joseph 
n. attempted to open the river Scheldt, he designed to establish commerce 
between Belgium and the United States, and to promote this end he sent the 
Baron de Beelen Bertholflf to reside in Philadelphia, not as an accredited 
minister, but as an observer and correspondent." When the Continental 
Congress adjourned its sessions to York, the Baron also removed there, and 
made that his home pretty inuch until his death. Local tradition says he 
lived there in great style. The Conewago Jesuits were well acquainted with 
the family. His son. Anthony, lived in Pittsburg, (see Lambing). He had 
another son who died East, and a death record at Conewago of a Francis 
Beelen may be the same. Old people inform us that he married a daughter 
of Wm. Jenkins, of Abbottstown, against which his parents were much op- 
posed. The Fathers assisted the widow and kept trace of her. She lived a 
while in Baltimore. An old teamster of Father De Barth. still living, says 
he was sent to see her by that Father. The Baron and his wile are buried at 
Conewago. When the new part was built in 1850. it covered their graves, 
and the marble slab was laid in the floor, in the aisle near the Blessed Vir- 
gin's altar. It reads : " In memory of Frederick E. F. Brn. de Beelen Ber- 
tholf, who departed this life the 5th April, 1805, aged 76 years. Joanna Ma- 
ria Thresia, his wife, who departed this life the 11th Sept.. 1804. aged 72 yrs. 
May they rest in peace." It is said that a contagious disease prevailed when 
the Baron died. The man who brought his body from York, left the coffin 
standing in front of the church and hurried away. There it stood all day. 
everyone in dread of the disease. Towards evening Father De Barth sent 
over to the Lilly farm for help, and two colored men came and assisted him 
in the last sad duty in the burial of the once distinguished man. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 159 

THi: WINCHESTER CHURCH. 



For the followint? sketch of the Winchester Church, we are indebted to 
Father O'Reilley i and to Mr. Wm. McSherry, Jr., for the Gettysburg Church 
history. Both were received too late for insertion among the other churches. 

The early history of the Catholic Church in Winchester is almost entire- 
ly unknown. Perhaps the only certain fact about it is, that it was one of the 
oldest churches in the Valley. From an old gentleman. John Heist, a Pro- 
testant, it has been learned that in 1794, when he settled in Winchester, the 
Catholic Church was in appearance the oldest in town, and public opinion 
conceded the claim of its antiquity. Of those instrumental in its building, 
little is known. The ground was given by Mr. McGuire, an Irish gentleman, 
the ancestor of a family famous in Virginia as physicians and surgeons. Its 
present representatives are Dr. Wm. McGuire. of Winchester, and Dr, Hun- 
ter McGuire. of Richmond. The latter was Stonewall Jackson's physician, 
and the Surgeon-General of the Confederate Army. The old church, a stone 
building of moderate dimensions, was almost entirely built through the lib- 
erality of a wealthy Frenchman. Most of the pioneer Catholics slumber in 
nameless graves in the old cemetery. A moss-clad tomb is inscribed to the 
memory of a daughter of John Holker, Esq., 1794. late Consul-General of 
France, and Agent of the Royal Marine. This may have been the wealthy 
Frenchman to whose christian liberality tradition ascribes the old stone 
church. The first priest of whom tradition speaks, is Father Dubois, who 
visited this place from Conewago, Pa., about 1790. After him canae Fathers 
Cahill and Whelan, the latter the first priest known to visit Winchester reg- 
ularly. There were few Catholics here in the early part of this century. A 
marble lieadstone in the old graveyard reads, " In memory of Patrick Den- 
ver, a native of County Down, Ireland, who departed this life March 31st, 
1831. in the 85th year of his age.'' This is the grandfathei of Gen. James 
Denver, prominently mentioned as the Democratic candidate for President 
in 1884. Denver, Colorado, and more than a score of other cities and towns 
in the West have been named in his honor. About 1840, came upon the 
scene the grand and venerable old pillars of the present congregation, who 
have manfully withstood the storms and shocks of most half a century, for 
its s; ke, and who like true sons of St. Patrick, which they boast to be, never 
vs^avered in the faith— the only inheritance they brought from their own 
Isle of Saints. These hoary veterans of the faith are. John Fagan, Michael 
Hasset, M. Lynch, and Denis Sheehan. Of these. John Fagan alone lived in 
town. For four long years they had not the happiness of being present at 
the Holy Sacrifice At last, in 1844, their dear Saviour had compassion on 
their loneliness and sorrow, and sent them Rev. John O'Brien, then station- 
ed at Harper's Ferry, who visited Winchester once in three months, and of- 
fered the Holy Sacrifice for the half dozen Catholics present. It was not 
until 1847, that things began to change for the better. In that year turn- 
pikes were being built, on which many Irishmen and Catholics worked. A 
priest from Harper's Ferry now came regularly once a month, and contin- 
ued to do so until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Fr. O'Brien was suc- 
ceeded by Father Plunkei. a most popular and eloquent priest, whose mem- 
ory is still honored by all who knevv him, Protestant and Catholic alike, not 



160 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

only here but throughout the Shenandoah Valley. After him came Fathers 
Talty and Costello. In 1861, came that thrice unhappy event, the war. The 
little church and hopeful congregation at Winchester did not escape its rav- 
ages. They were scattered, and the dear little church they loved so well 
was left in ruins. Among the most fearless of Stonewall's and Mosby's fol- 
lowers were numbered Winchester Catholics. The dashing bravery of a 
Russell or a Reardon is to-day a password in the Valley After the war they 
returned to find no temple in which to worship. In the years of blood3^ 
strife that had passed. God seemed to have been forgotten and his temples 
to have lost their sacredness for men. A stable was made of the sweet little 
church upon the Hill. The ruins alone were left after the storm was over. 
Undaunted, however, were the few Catholics. Their own Soggarth Aroon 
still visited them and that was enough. With Michael Hasset and his good 
wife they well knew the priest and his people would always find a Caed 
Mille Failthe, and in his cosy little parlor month after month they assembled 
for divine service. Through the zeal of their young pastor. Rev. J. J. Kain, 
the congregation soon grew too large for the little parlor chapel, and larger 
rooms were provided. A future church was contemplated : plans were then 
made for raising the funds, and successfully carried out through the great 
efforts of Father Kain, ably assisted by Mrs. Hasset and Routzhan. In IbiTO 
the corner-stone of one of the largest churches in town was laid, and in the 
following year the little congregation of about a dozen families worshiped 
in its basement. Hard were the struggles to complete the work. To add to 
their ti'oubles, in May, 1875, their beloved pastor was taken from them and 
consecrated Bishop of Wheeling;. Father Van De Vyver succeeded, and the 
church was completed in 1878, and dedicated under the special patronage of 
the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this joyful occasion the celebrant was no 
other than Bishop Kain, who had started the enterprise in 1868, and for six 
long years labored hard for its completion. The Catholic spirit was not yet 
satisfied. The congregation yearned for a resident pastor. Through all the 
weary years of labor and waiting, Winchester was only an out mission be- 
longing to Harper's Ferry, long visited once a month, and that on a week 
day. Rev. J. Hagan became the first resident pastor in 1878. For him the 
congregation built a comfortable residence on the lot adjoining the church. 
A steeple was added, and placed in it one of the largest and sweetest toned 
bells in the Valley of Virginia. Father Hagan also founded a parochial 
school, which now flourishes with an average attendance of 45, — a number 
more than equal to all the Catholic souls in Winchester in 1865. Rev. Hagan 
was succeeded in June, 1882, by Rev. D. J. O'Connell, D. D.. at present Rec- 
tor of the American College, Rome. He remained pastor until Oct., 1883. 
when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. O'Reilly. In that short period no pas- 
tor ever endeartd himself so much to the congregation and people of Win- 
chester. He purchased a most beautiful site for a new Catholic cemeterj'. — 
Finally, the little congregation of not more than a score in 1865. worshiping 
in a small private parlor, is now grown to over 300 souls. The Catholics 
have a handsome church, a school, a pastoral residence, and a resident pas- 
tor. All their property is paid for, and no debt hangs over them to encum- 
ber their future. 

Let us add that Rev. Father OTIeilly, the present pastor, is a worthy suc- 
cessor of the faithful priests who have labored before him in the Valley. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 161 

THE GETTYSBURG CHURCH. 



The early Catholics in and about Gettysburg were chiefly Germans. 
They were poor, few, and widely scattered ; but whether the sun shone or 
the rain fell, iu the dust of summer and the snow of winter, they went, 
(many on foot) "to hear Mass on Sunday and Holydays of obligation." 
A few attended church at Emmettsburg, Maryland ; some at Littlestown, 
Pennsylvania ; others at St. Ignatius, in the Mountain ; but most atConewa- 
go Chapel, in the valley. The first two named are about ten and the last 
two about twelve miles distant from the town. Rev. Matthew Lekeu, S. J., 
the Superior of the Jesuits at Conewago, and Rev. Michael Dougherty, S. J., 
one of his assistants, were the first to establish the congregation and build a 
Catholic church at Gettysburg. The task was a hard one ; but where God's 
glory or the salvation of souls is concerned the Jesuit knows no hardships. 
The good Catholics generously responded to their appeal, and even deprived 
themselves to contribute to the new edifice. Early in the year 1830, the mat- 
ter assumed definite shape. Among the largest contributors were Peter 
Eline and Peter Martin, who each gave one hundred and fifty dollars, and 
Jacob Norbeck, who gave, as his subscription, a lot of ground (of about the 
same value) situated near the south end of West (now Washington) street, 
on which the church was erected. The following advertisement appeared 
in the county papers in reference; to the building of the church. — "■ Notice. 
— The subscribers having been appointed Agents by Rev Mat. Lakieu to re- 
ceive proposals from the date hereof until the first of May next for the build- 
ing of a Roman Catholic Church in the borough of Gettysburg, of the follow- 
ing dimensions, viz : The church to be 40 feet in length and 30 feet in breadth, 
outside, with a semi-circular or semi-decagon Sanctuary at the East (it 
should read West) gable end of the Church of 15 (afterwards printed 7i) 
feet radius inside. A steeple to be raised in front, .one-half thereof within 
the churcli, of 12 feet square, and to be 65 feet in height. The foundations 
of the church, sanctuary, and steeple to be composed of sufiicient rough 
stone work, and the body of the same to be of sufiicient brick work ; the 
side walls of the church to be 23 feet from the floor, and the walls of the 
sanctuary of the same height. The roof of the church, sanctuary, and 
steeple to be covered with pine shingles. The roof of the steeple to be a 
polygon roof : and that of the sanctuary to correspond with the shape. The 
contractor will have to find all the material, hands, etc., necessary for the 
erection of said building, a plan whereof has been deposited with the sub- 
scribers, agreeably to which the said church will have to be built. The altar, 
pulpit, and ornamental work will not be included in said pi'oposals, as they 
will be added after the erection of the church. It will be required that the 
contractor finish the church agreeably to the plan, during the ensuing sum- 
mer. Persons desirous of contracting for the building of said church, will 
please api)ly to Samuel Lilly and Joseph Sneeringer, Sen., near Conewago 
Church. April 5, 1830." The contract was given to a Mr. Barkley, who 
did the carpenter work ; and under his direction Ephraim Hanaway did the 
mason work, and James Bohn the plastering. The corner-stone was laid on 
Wednesday, the 11th day of August, 1830. There was no Bishop present. 
Two sermons were delivered in the old Court House, one bv Rev. Paul C. 



162 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Kohlman, a Jesuit. The building was almost completed, when on Thurs- 
day, the 19th day of May, 1831, it was struck by lightning, "■ the conductor 
not being completed." "A plasterer (Jonathan Gilbert) at work in the 
steeple, was prostrated, and remained senseless for some time, but recover- 
ed. The fluid passsed down the cupola, then passed off at right angles to a 
saw on a post, split the post, and passed down the wall of the steeple to the 
frontdoor, making a groove." The church was dedicated on Sunday, Oct. 
2, 1831, by Rt. Rev. Frs. P. Kenrick, Bishop of Philadelphia. The music was 
furnished by the choir from Emmettsburg, Maryland. The text of the ser- 
mon was, " Make unto yourselves friends of the Mammon of iniquity." The 
church was called St. Francis Xavier's. It cost about 81800. To the des- 
cription as already given, (in the proposal) it may be added that the ceiling 
was caved, and there was a gallery over the door. The church contained 
twenty pews with one center aisle. Among the original members were Ja- 
cob Norbeck, Peter Eline, Peter Martin, Michael Gallagher, a lawyer. Dr. C. 
N. Burluchy, George Richter, Nicholas Codori. George Codori, Mrs. Eliza- 
iDeth Allen, the McLoughlins, McAleers, Lazarus Shorb, Nicholas Ecken- 
rode, Daniel Sherkey, Mrs. Thompson and but a few others. Rev. Michael 
Dougherty, S. J., was the first pastor, Lewis Norbeck and Daniel Shirkey 
were the first altar-boys. The lot given by Mr. Norbeck was also used as a 
grave-yard. The first burial authenticated, was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Al- 
len, who died November 10, 1831. Among the early marriages after the 
church was built are Margaret Eisenman to Michael Zliea, by Father Dough- 
erty, in September, 1834, and John Hamilton to Laurah A. Eline. by the 
same pastor, April 23, 1837. Mr. Hamilton was one of the first converts. 
The congregation increased rapidly under the guidance of good Father 
Dougherty. Among the members of 1840 are to be added to the original 
ones the Doersums, Warners, M. Zhea, John Martin. John Carver, Smiths, 
Hemlers, John Ertter and some others. A bell weighing about 400 pounds 
was procured for the church in 1842 or 3. Father Dougherty closed his long 
and successful pastorate in the latter year. About this time there was Mass 
about evei'y two weeks, before this it was only once a month. Rev. F. 
Kendler (from Conewago, but not a Jesuit. ) came here about the Gth day 
of June, 1843. He was followed by Rev. Joseph Dietz, S. J., who was in 
charge from about the 37th day of August, 1843, until March 11, 1848. Fath- 
er Dietz made a sacristy in the church, prior to that the priest robed behind 
the altar. He also organized a choir, before his time ihe whole congrega- 
tion sang in German. Mr. Weigle was the leader ; the music was all vocal. 
He also had a picture of the Crucifixion placed above the altar. Father 
George Villiger, S. J., the next attendant, came abovit March 16. 1848, and 
left in Oct. of the same year. About the 27th of Dec, 1848, Rev. J. B. Cattaui. 
S. J., assumed charge and remained until about the 10th of Nov., 1849. He 
was succeeded about Dec. 8th, 1849, by Rev. James B. Cotting (he was from 
Conewago, but did not sign S. J. to his name.) The following were the pew 
holders, Jan. 1, 1851 : Jacob Norbeck. John Norbeck, Jacob Case, Andrew 
Stock, Francis Booty, John Hamilton, John Carver, John Martin, Nicholas 
Codori, George Codori, John Weikle. Valentine Warner. Lazarus Shorb, 
Joseph Smith, Nicholas Hofl:man, Jacob Kuhn, George Jacobs, James Waga- 
mon, Joseph Shillen, Anthony Codori and Philip Krixer. A pew was re- 
served for the poor. In the first years the pews were free, but in 1851 the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 163 

pew rents amounted to .1?145.56. The congregation from 1840 increased so 
rapidly that the church soon became too smalL Father Cotting took upon 
himself the burden of pi'oviding a new place of devotion. He was a most 
zealous worker, and being popular with all classes, was a most successful 
canvasser for contributions. Catholics and Protestants alike generously re- 
sponded to his appeal, and among the contributors was Rev. S. S. Smucker, 
D. D., the President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. 
On the 22d day of Dec, 1851, the following notice appeared in the local pa- 
pers ; '• To Church Builders.— Sealed proposals will be received by Nicho- 
las Codori in Gettysburg, until Saturday, the 10th day of January next, for 
building a Catholic Church in Gettysburg. Plans and specifications for the 
church can be seen at any time by persons wishing to build by calling on 
Nicholas Codori, one of the committee, in Gettysburg. By order of Rev. J. 
Cotting. Nicholas Codori. John Martin, Joseph Smith, Jacob Case, commit- 
tee. N. B. — Rev. James B. Cotting yet continues the officiating clergyman, 
and by his libeiality and good conduct the congregation is in a prosperous 
condition." The contract was awarded in Jan., 1851, to George and Henry 
Chritzman. The contract price was .^3800, but many extras were added. 
They gave out tlie mason work to Henry Kuhn, and the plastering to James 
Bohn. The old church was torn down in March, 1852, and on Friday the 
26th, while the South wall was being prepared for removal, it fell on Henry 
Hollinger and Charles Buckmaster (colored), two of the workmen, and kill- 
ed them. The bricks were used in the new chux'ch, having become the prop- 
erty of the contractors. In about April, 1852, a lot 75 by 180 feet, situated 
on West High street, on which the church was built, was purchased for 1^750 
from Ferdinand E. Vandersloot : the deed seems to have been made to St. 
Joseph's College, of Philadelphia. Pa., in trust for the Catholic congregation 
worshiping in St. Francis Xavier's Church in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pa. 
Tlie corner-stone of the new church was laid on Sunday, June 20th, 1852, by 
Rt. Rev. John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia. About a year later, (Sun- 
day. July 31, 1853), the same prelate (who had laid the corner-stone,) dedi- 
cated the church to the service of the Living God. The following is a des- 
cription of the Church as it appeared about the time of its dedication : The 
building is of brick, 48 feet wide, 90 feet long, and about 40 feet high. It 
has a Roman cupola of about 60 feet. It contains a fine sanctuary, accompa- 
nied on either side by a sacristry or confessional. The height of the inside 
walls is about 26 feet, and the ceiling is plain or level. It contained 64 pews 
and room for more. There is a center and two side aisles. A broad gallery 
used by the choir extends over the entrance from wall to wall. It has also 
a fine pipe organ. There was a large oil painting representing the raising of 
a dead man to life by St. Francis Xavier, (painted by Francis Stecker,) plac- 
ed back of the altar. There were alcoves above the sacristy, from which the 
sermons were sometimes preached. The old bell was transferred to the new 
cupola. The first marriage after the completion of the new church was that 
of Charles McFadden to Laurah Amanda Mclntire, by Father Cotting, Au- 
gust 1. 1853. Among the first baptisms was Anna R., daughter of Daniel 
and Elizabeth Lee. August 3, 1853, also by Father Cotting. This faithful 
pastor did not remain to enjoy the fruits of his successful labor, but in obe- 
dience to the call of his Superior, left August 29, 1853, for other fields of 
usefulness, followed by the prayers of his devoted and grateful flock. He 
was succeeded September the 11, 1853, by the learned and eloquent Father 



164 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

F. X.'^Deneckere, S. J., who greatlj'^ improved the interior of the church and 
established a Library and also a Rosary Society. This holy priest was the 
last regular Jesuit pastor, and about the time he left, (November 2, 1858,) 
the Jesuit Fathers gave over the congregation and church property into the 
care and control of Rt. Rev. James F. Wood, Bishop of Philadelphia. A new- 
charge was now formed out of St. Ignatius Church in Buchanan Valley, Im- 
maculate Conception, of Fairfield, and St. Francis Xavier's, of Gettjsburg, 
with but one pastor residing in the latter place. About Nov. 14, 1858, Rev. 
Basil A. Shorb was appointed the first secular pastor. He remained until 
about the 24 of Feb., 1860. He was followed by Rev L. J. Miller, who was 
in charge from about March 14, 1860, to August 15, of the same year. The 
Rev. F. P. Mulgreu was stationed here from Sep. 16 to Dec. 27, 1860. Then 
came Rev. Michael F. Martin, who was here a short time. The next pastor 
was Rev. A. M. McGinnis, who was in charge from July 16, 1861, to about 
Oct. 27, 1863. In common with the other churches of the town, St. Francis 
Xavier's was used as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. It was 
fii-st occupied as such before noon of July 1, 1863, and was used for this pur- 
pose for several weeks. While the church was so occupied, Mass was said 
in a room at the house of Nicholas Codori. Father Joseph A. Boll assumed 
charge of the congregation Jin. 4, 1864. He at once repaired the damage 
done the church during the battle. In June following his coming, he had 
the church frescoed and ornamented with shadow statuary painting, repre- 
senting the twelve apostles. The work was done by Mr. George Selling, of 
Reading, Pa., and was finished in the following Sep. Mr. Philip Doersom 
had purchased the Cracifixion, (painted by Mr. Gephart, of York,) which 
hung in the old church, from Father Deneckere. He had it newly framed 
and the painting repaired. Father Boll desired to purchase it, but Mr. Doer- 
som declined to sell ; but consented to its being placed in rear of the altar, 
if a proper recess were frescoed for it. This was done, and the words •' Co- 
piosa Apud Eum Redemptio " forming a suitable arch were iminted above 
it. The picture is still there, but owned by Mr. Doersom. The large paint- 
ing was removed to a side wall of the sanctuary and is still there. About 
the same time an elegant walnut pulpit, designed by Mr. Seiling. but made 
in Gettysburg, was placed in the church. During August of 1865, the last 
cent due by the church was paid. Gas was first used in the church in 1871. 
In the latter part of the same year a lot was purchased almost opposite the 
church and the building of a parsonage was commenced theron Dec. 1, 1871, 
and completed Oct. 5, 1872. It is a fine large brick dwelling, and cost, com- 
pleted and furnished, over S7000. It was mainly paid for by monthly con- 
tributions, lasting four years. In the spring of 1873. the Mountain Church 
was detached from the Gettysburg charge, and since Mass is celebrated the 
first three Sundays at the latter place, and the fourth Sunday at Fairfield, 
other church days being divided. The parochial school house was commenc- 
ed in June and finished in August. 1877. It is a roomy frame building fur- 
nished in modern style, and is located in rear of the parsonage. The first 
school,session began Sep. 1, 1877. Father Boll took ciiarge personally and 
taught the classes. His assistant was Miss Kate Marley, of Columbia, Pa. 
The following year he continued to teach, being assisted by Misses Mary 
Kummerant and Emily L. Martin, of Gettysburg. The school continued 
under the same control until Feb. 1880, when Mr. Martin F. Power took 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 165 

charge of all the classes, the pastor still being the nominal head, but no lon- 
ger teaching, excepting Christian Doctrine. It was a success from the be- 
ginning, and still continues so. Its course is high, full and practical. There 
are about 90 pupils. In Dec, 1877, the old bell was exchanged for a new 
one weighing 1233 pounds. On the 8th of the same month— the feast of the 
Immaculate Conception — its sweet notes rang forth the Angel's Salutation of 
4000 years ago— being the first time the Angelus was regularly rung in Get- 
tysburg. In the fall of ISSO, Fathers Bouch and Trimple — two Redemptor- 
ists— ^ave a mission which resulted in much good. They also erected a 
mission cross, which is attached to the inside wall of the church near the 
Confessional. In the summer of 1881. Father Boll replaced the old church 
windows by beautiful burnt memorial ones, which are historical and of su- 
perior workmanship. They were made by F. Hoeckel. of Baltimore, and 
cost about .?1000. Father Boll having obtained a nine months' leave to trav- 
el in Europe and Palestine in the fall of 1881, Rev. Henry Relt was appoint- 
ed to take his place. He remained in charge until the following summer. 
His gentle and dignified manner at once won him the affection and respect 
of the congregation. Father Boll resumed charge after his return from 
abroad. He had only returned a few weeks when he was appointed pastor 
at Lebanon, Pa Rev. John J. Shanahan was then appointed pastor. He 
was only here a few months, long enough to arouse a new spirit of devotion 
among the people, and by his eloquence and learning fill their hearts with in- 
creased love of God. There were many links that bound Father Roll to the 
earliest charge he filled, and at the first opportunity he returned to the scene 
of his early labors, in Dec, 1883. Jan. 3. 1885, the last debt due by the con- 
gregation was paid. St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Beneficial Society vras or- 
ganized Jan. 4. 1885, with about 35 members. It has about 50 now. The 
Library was re-organized in April of the same year, and has about 600 (hun- 
dred) books and 40 members. There were 5 acres, 29 perches of land bought 
June 4, 1885, and laid out for a cemetery. Ex-Sheriflf Jacob Klunk, Esq., 
was the first buried, on September 8, 1885. The cemetery was blessed by Rt. 
Rev. J. F. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, Sunday, September 13, 1885. 
The school children, society, and congregation went in procession from the 
church to the grounds before High Mass. The congregation numbers about 
600. The title to the church property is in the Bishop of Harrisburg intrust. 
It is worth about .f 18,000. The congregation do not owe a cent of debt. 
They have the finest parsonage, the best bell, and the handsomest church in 
the town. Among the present members are found some of the wealthiest 
and best citizens of the county. The liberality of the past generation has de- 
scended to the present, and as the generous contributor looks about him and 
sees what he has helped to accomplish for the church, he recalls the words 
of the Psalmist : " I have loved. Oh Lord, the beauty of Thy House and the 
place where Thy glory dwelleth." Wm. McSherry, Jr. 

Gettysburg, Oct. 13, 1885. 



166 CONBWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

GATHERING UP THE SCRAPS. 



A. M. D. G. ET B. M. V. H. 



We gather up the fragments that remain, "• lest they be lost.'" They 
may seem trifling to some ; others can appreciate their importance, to whom 
such scraps of our early church history that is lost and forgotten would in- 
deed be valuable. So with these : they will grow in interest. They might 
be put in better shape, and come in more consecutive order, but time will 
not allow. The object we have most in mind is their preservation. 

Rev. James Stillinger, a priest in Western Pennsylvania, (see Lambing's 
Hist, of Western Pa., p. 402), died Sept. 18, 1873. His father was born in 
York Co., Pa. Fr. S. worked as a printer in Chambersburg and Gettysburg, 
when a boy ; entered St. Mary's College through Father Dubois, and became 
a priest in 1830. Lambing mentions a priest at Conewago in 1789, named 
John B. Causey, who did missionary work in Western Pennsylvania. He 
came from Philadelphia to Conewago and from there was called to attend 
the death-bed of Father Browers, in Westmoreland Co., Pa. This Father, 
among other bequests, willed some per.sonal property " for the use of the 
Poor Roman Catholic Irish, that does or shall live at the Chappel, on Cone- 
wagga. " There is no record of what became of Father Causey, (see Lam- 
bing, p. 364.) Rev. Francis Fromm cairte from Germany in 1789, and from 
Conewago he went to the Western Pa. Missions. Father Pellentz visited 
these missions from Conewago. Rev Peter Heilbron was among the early 
priests in Western Pa. He died at Carlisle about 1816. Father Brosius. 
while at Conewago, also visited McGuire's settlement, in Cambria Co., and 
after him came Father Gallitzin. Rev. Jas. Bradley, a priest in Blair Co., 
was ordained at Conewago, Sept. 20th, 1830, by Bisliop Kenrick. Father 
O'Brien, one of the first priests in Pittsburg, spent a short time at Conewago 
about 1820. when his health compelled his retirement from active labor in 
the ministry. 

Rev. A. A. Lambing's father was baptized at Conewago April 12th. 1807, 
and became one of the pioneer Catholics of Western Pennsylvania. Father 
Lambing is widely known for his valuable and extensive research in Catho- 
lic history, and also as a learned writer on Catholic subjects. His labors in 
the interest of Catholic local history have been very successful. The most 
laudable effort of his life is the establishment of a publication devoted to the 
earlv history of the Catholic Chui'ch in this country. Catholics should en- 
courage it, and make it permanent. 

Fragments of names and dates, gathered from the old account books at 
Conewago : Among those employed as laborers when the priests yet farmed 
the land, we find the following : John Strasbaugh, blacksmith : Henry 
Small, Alex. Robinson, Peter Majors, George Nace, Julian Plunket. Mary 
Koch, Cath. Chambers. Mary O'Neil, Susan and Mary Will, Eliz. Dellone, 
Mary Major, Cath. Baker, Mar. Strasbaugh ; Peter O'Neil. who entered the 
house on Monday, July 23d, 1827 ; Madalene Shaffer, John Adams. 1833, 
Aug. 23d, to Rev. Mr. Curley, of Georgetown, for expenses to return to col- 
lege. May 19th. Fnther Vespre on stage to Georgetown. 1834, paid to Rev. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 167 

Mr. Divin on account of the Masses discharged for Father Provincial. 1835, 
March 20, to Trappist Brother, of Nova Scotia, for Father Docherty. July 
13, for the voyage of Father Helias ; when he arrived. Father C. Paul Kohl- 
man was recalled to Georgetown. The sketch of Conewago heretofore allud- 
ed to, thought to have been written about 1830, is of a later date, as the fol- 
lowing scrap, which belongs to it, clearly shows : " Father Barber arrived 
heie to make his retreat, and will probably stay with us. Father Helias re- 
ceived orders of our Father Provincial to go to Missouri ; he started the 6th 
of Aug., 1835, with tlie stage of Littlestown." Father Helias died in Mis- 
souri in 1874, at an old age. He came from Europe with Father De Smet 
and his companions, for missionary work in the West, and was one of the 
first priests west of St. Louis. 1850, Rev. Wirzfeld collected for Waynes- 
burg. The collection for Episcopate fund of that year sent by Brother Lan- 
caster. 1851, collection for ■' Milwauki " by Rev. Latzman. 1852, Rev. 
Moore visitor at Conewago. 1845. collection by Father Dietz for Rev. Wacth- 
len. 1852, loan to Fr. Early, sent by Bro. Redman to St. John's. 1853, Nov., 
boarded Bro. Logan ; at Conewago for his health. 1854, Feb. 6th, boarded 
Fr. Kreifihton ; most likely there for his health. Thomas Will entered our 
house April 1st, 1830 ; was to be furnished with " cloth of our own man j- 
factory."" 1844, names of Brothers Quinlau and Cavanaugh. About this 
time, a painter named Gephart, vvas at Conewago ; painted picture of Miss 
Sally Lilly's fatlier. one of Mr. McSherry's father, and Mr. Ban ge's father ; 
also, picture of St. Ignatius, .long on B. V. altar, and picture of St. Francis 
Regis; a little painting for NipperO's Valley; and a painting to be sent to 
Gettysburg, " whicii shall remain in my possession until that congregation 
pays .^30." Clotilda Stigers mended priests' vestments and attended altar. 
Sister Ann. Superior at McSherrystown. There is a list of young ladies who 
attended the school at that time, as follows : Mary E. Adelsperger ; Adeline, 
Catharine and Susanna Kenney ; Louisa Maria Shorb, Harriet Linco Walms- 
ley, Catharine Baker, Alphonsia Walsh, Catharine Stephens, Margaret Col- 
gan, Anna Mary Linn, Catharine Sneeringer ; book for M. Euphrosina. It is 
gratifying to see that the young ladies of that time, from about 1834 to 1840. 
had real solid christian names, and no fancy prefixes like young ladies now 
have. 1844, Thus. Lilly Proc. Prov.. settled accounts of Fr. Lekeu. Names 
of Steinbacher, Dietz and Kendler, the latter no Jesuit. 1845. Revs. Dietz, 
Kendler and Philip Sacchi. April 8th of that year, P. J. Verhaegen, S. J.. 
signed as Visitor. There is mention of a Mother Boilvin among the first Sis- 
ters at McSherrystown. Dec. 30th, 1845, -'Madame" Boilvin gave .$20 to 
Mr. Kendler at his departure for Milwaukee. 1847, May 18th, Father Ver- 
haegen, Visitor. 1850, Oct. 17, Ignatius Brocard, Visitor. Sept. 16, 1865, An- 
gelus M. Paresce, Visitor. 

Rev. J. B. Causey, or Cause, came to Conewago from Philadelphia, be- 
tween 1787 and 1789. 

Nov. 10th, 1845, letter from Francis Patrick Kenrick, Bishop of Phila., 
to Rev. N. Steinbacher, Superior of Conewago, in regard to Sisters leaving 
McSherrystown. He submits the matter to the judgment of the Sisters, who, 
notwithstanding the great sacrifice to them, incline to remove on account of 
the difficulty of access to McSherrystown. 1860, Father Manns attended Par- 
adise. Petition from Paradise congregation to Superior for permission to 
have court grant a road from the Berlin Turnpike to the church, through 



168 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

farms of A. W. Storm, Joseph Clunk and church. Road was made, and 
comes out immediately in front of church. 

When the Hanover and Baltimore Turnpike was built, S^IOOO stock was 
entered in the name of Charles Neal, 1811, Superior of the Mai-yland Mis- 
sions. The Conewago priests from time to time drew the dividends, which 
at first were a fair per cent., and towards later years did not amount to 
much and the matter was entii-ely lost sight of for some years. Father Bell- 
walder was about the last to draw a dividend. Father Emig, of St. Joseph ^s, 
Hanover, took up the matter and writes to Father Enders, Superior, March 
27th, 1882, as follows : Says he attended to the business as good as if a law- 
yer had been employed. Wants nothing for it but a habit, '' mine is wear- 
ing out ; " health has been very bad, coughing day and night, with pains in 
the head. 

The following names and dates are gleaned from the letters of the Super- 
iors of the Society : 

1858, Oct. 20th, shall be obliged to diminish priests at Conewago— Father 
Reiter probably be taken. 

To Father Cattani, Superior at Conewago, Feb. 23d, 1858 : We have lost 
Brother Marshall, in his 51st year in God's holy service in the Society. 

1852, Brother Mattingly sent to replace Bro. Doyle. Fathei Manns re- 
called to Frederick in 1853, to make a year of Third Probation. Father Dom. 
perio succeeded Father Cattani as Superior for a short time, between 1865 
and '66. Father N. Steinbacher did suddenly at St. Mary's, Boston, Feb. 14th, 

1862. Fiather Roger Dietz died in 1860, He was "a man of prayer." In 
Oct., 1861, Father Sheerin was called to Baltimore from Conewago. Jan., 

1863. Father Barrister sent to Conewago, to rest a while from the great labors 
and exertions, both of body and of mind, which he has endured for the past 
two years. He took Fr. Deneckere's place, who went for a short time to 
Boston to assist Father Reiter. Feb. 24th, 1863, Father Domperio sent to 
Conewago from Balto. In Jan., 1862, Mr. J. Shorb, architect, was sent from 
Balto. to superintend building at Conewago : the plans were soon after 
changed, and he was recalled. 1841, Thomas F. Mulledy, S. J., on a visit to 
Nice, appointed Father McElroy his attorney. 

There is a scrap of a letter of introduction from a Conewago priest for a 
Protestant gentleman about to start for Rome, to Padre Trasset. No date or 
name ; says it is his seventh year on this continent ; came in company with 
Fathers Rey and Dietz, the former gone to receive his reward, the latter 
" with us at Conewago." Anthony Rey was Socius Prov. in 1845. 

John H. Nipper writes to Father Steinbacher from Frederick, April 6, 
1845 ; sends respects to Bro. Quiulan ; says Father Sacchi is well, and he and 
Bro. McFadden send respects to the Fathers. 

Release, Feb. 28, 1816, Lewis DeBarth and successors. By will of John 
Anselm, dec'd, of Hanover, he ordered 200 pounds to be given to Rev. DeB., 
for which he was to pay to Eve Anselm 6 per cent, interest ; she having mar- 
ried James Dullehide, of Berwick Twp., they gave release. 

Father Deneckere writing from Frederick, 1858, says Latin class there is 
not superior to the few bo>s of the same category at Conewago. Bishop 
Neumann, 1859, paid Mother Magdalene .1f50 a year for each of the orphan 
girls at McSherrystowii. April 23d, 1863. Bishop Wood acknowledges re- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 169 

ceipt of $836.15, from Rev. J. B. Cattani, collection for poor Ireland, " with 
our little share added." Florence J. Sullivan, S. J., Santa Clara College 
Cal. ; baptized at Littlestown by Father DeBarth, 1833 ; his father was Tim- 
othy, and his mother Joanna O'Neill ; Archbishop of San Francisco unwill- 
ing to confer orders unless certificate of baptism be produced. He was a 
Novice at Frederick about a year, when his health failed. 

Father Villiger writes in 1858 : Father Deneckere gave liberal subscrip- 
tion toward establishing a free school for girls with the Sisters, and for bojs 
at Conewago : of which Father Enders was President and German ; Deneck- 
ere Prefect and Latin ; Bro. Redmond, Disciplinarian and English : Mr. 
Gross, History and Mathematics. He says. Father Dougherty attends Lit- 
tlestown ; myself and ''Billy," Paradise and Millerstown. "Tom," poor 
thing, was run blind by Fr. Wigget, at St. Thomas'. The priests always had 
good horses, and valued them highly. Father George Villiger, who died at 
Conewago, was called ^ Little Father Villiger," and Fr. Burchard Villiger^ 
now at St Joseph's, Phila., " Big Father V.," because they were the oppo- 
site in stature. These trivial items, seemingly of little account, are given 
with the best intentions : to many they will recall vivid recollections ; and 
outside of their priestly character, they show the kind heart and cheerful 
spirit in the every day life of the missionary. Father Enders attended Mil- 
lerstown four years without any compensation, and gave .^50 to silence some 
claims. In 1863, Father Enders writes from Leonardtown to Fr. Cattani at 
Conewago, for small picture of the Nativity, by Overbach, and St. Stanis- 
laus by Stecher ; desires to get copies for St. Joseph's, which was built chief- 
ly through the exertions of Fr. Cotting. St. Joseph's, Phila., Jan. 13, 1860. 
— Father Ryder died yesterday morning at lOi, after six days' severe ill- 
ness. Wc are only two for work now. Father Barbelin and myself. Thos. 
Lilly, S. J. His remains were taken to Georgetown. Father Stonestreet al- 
ludes to the apportionment of the funds from German benefactors, between 
German missions of Boston and Richmond : and in 1855, by " Rev Mr. Mul- 
ler's exijress order. I sent a ciumb to Conewago." 

Feast of St. Mark, April 25, 1858, Father General constituted Rev. Bur- 
chard Villiger Provincial of Maryland, to succeed Chas. H. Stonestreet, who 
writes : '• In this, my last official communication to the ever dear Province 
of Maryland, I cannot forbear to mention for encouragement and edification^ 
that while Provincial I have never been disobeyed ; and, moreover, have 
been always humbled personally, but aided officially, by the superior virtues 
of my brethren in Christ." He died suddenly of heart disease at Holy Cross 
College. Worcester, Mass., July 4, 1885, aged 72. He was a native of Mary- 
land, stationed at Washington, Georgetown and Frederick. 1860, Fathers 
Enders. Deneckere and Cotting were at Newtown, St. Mary's Co., Md. Loyo- 
la College, Ap. 9. 1862. --The Bishop of Boston left here to-day with Father 
Early for Phila. Father Emig, from St. Louis, has been attached to our 
Province, and is now at St. Mary's, Boston. C. C. Lancaster, S. J., to J. B. 
Cattani, S. J. Phila., Dec. 30, 1859.— Rev. Father Sopranis will visit you 
(Conewago), Jan. 4. Father Ciccaterri and myself (C. C. L.) will accompa- 
ny him. 

April 11. 1858.— Thomas Lyndon, Pastor of Chambersburg, to Father En- 
ders, Superior of Conewago, for priest to hear German confessions during 
Pascal season. Loyola. July 25, 1862, Fr. W. F. Clark sends by Fr. Vassi, 



170 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

&c., to J. B. Cattani, Slip, at Conewago. July 18, 1858, Fr. Clark sends Bro. 
Eiordan to Conewago for his health. Mother Ignatius, of St. Joseph's, Mc- 
Sherrystown, has in her possession a chair, which once belonged to Fr. Gal- 
litzin. It was purchased of an aged lady, who in her childhood was a pro- 
tege of that saintly man. It is said to have been the most pretending article 
of the kind in his household, and was even used by the Bishop when admin- 
istering Confirmation. 

William Arter did the plastering of the Conewago Chapel when first 
built. He was a peculiar man and did some very foolish things. At one 
time he kept a tavern at Hanover, and was well known. 

Among the pewholders in 1820, were : Edw. Reily, Elizabeth Steigers, 
Nicholas Ginter, Margaret Storm, Samuel Lilly, Samuel Brady, Martin 
Clunk, John Dellone, Denis Carnahan, Michael Dellone, John Cook, Henry 
Lilly, Francis Marshall, Ignatius O 'Bold, Michael Gallaher, John Smith, Adam 
Smith, Jacob Will, John Shenefelder, JohnStrasbaugh. The descendants of 
a few of these yet occupy the same pews, or at least the corresponding lo- 
cation, as new pews were put in by Fr. Enders. 

Father Villiger, writing from Paradise in 1855 : Buried John Dellone 
last Dec, and early in the spring old Mrs. Noel, from the Pigeon Hills. Old 
Mr. Alwine ^-eturned to his duties. Miss Cath. Strasbaugh, at Mr. Wise's, 
M convert, desires to become a religious. Aug. 9, 1856. — Fr. Stonestreet ap- 
points J. B. Cattani Sup. of the church at Boston, of which we have charge 
for the Bishop, to succeed Rev. Ryder (also spelled Reiter, but no doubt the 
same) ; Father Lachat to take Fr. R. 's place. To have nothing to do with 
anything but spiritual matters. 1834, June 25, Joseph Wehrner. son of Ben- 
edict W., of Phila., born July 27. 1822, apprenticed to Mat. Lekeu, Rector 
and manager at Conewago, until he is 17. 1855. — Paradise Church robbed 
of its remonstrance, chalice and ciboriam. Blessed Sacrament not there. 
Fr. Villiger, pastor. Michael Noel and old Mrs. Brieghner gave him money 
to replace them. Jos. Kuhn, Frederick, Peter and Michael Dellone presented 
chandelier, worth i60. Peter Noel will pay the half for stations ; Pius Fiiik 
the other half. Father V. adds : If we can we will make Paradise look like 
a paradise. Writing to a friend at Frederick, Father Villiger says : Freder- 
ick and Peter Dellone send respects ; also Mr. Will and his amiable family. 
He is getting rich, notwithstanding his liberality ; and fat, in spite of his 
chewing so much tobacco. Father Moianville, one of the early priests of 
Baltimore, went with Mrs. Harper, daughter of Charles Carroll, of Carroll- 
ton, to Berkeley Springs for his health. Wrote Aug. 20, 1823, health not 
much improved. In 1784, Charles Sewell. S. J., became first resident pastor 
of St. Peter's, Balto. He was a faithful and zealous priest, but no orator. 
He was at Conewago with Father Pellentz. 

Near the church stands a large mission cross, erected in 1857, by the 
great missionary. Father Weininger. Father Maguire, and others, gave 
missions at Conewago. The galleries at Conewago were erected about Fath- 
er Lekeu 's time. They were removed by Father Domperio, on account of 
the opportunities they afforded for those inclined to distraction. The old 
bell at Conewago bears this inscription : " Andreas Vanden Cheyn, me fudit 
Lovanii Anno 1816 ; Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, Dei Paroque Virginis 
Mariae." It is no doubt one of the many confiscated church and convent 
bells brought to this country in the revolutionary days of Europe. Some of 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 171 

them found their way to Protestant churches. One so in use at Gettysburg, 
has the inscription : "• Maria de la Concepcion, per tvam immaculatam Dei 
Genetrix, Virgo defende nos ab hoste maligno, 1788." When the new steeple 
was finished at Conewago, the bell was pulled up into its place with ropes, 
by the boys then at Father Deneckere's school. Conewago is more or less 
connected \vith the mystery of Wizard Clip, in Virginia, but as we have 
nothing new to throw additional light on the affair, not much account will 
be given of it ; Father Finotti has left full particulars in his Wizard Clip. 
Father Gallitzin wrote an account of it when at Conewago, after having giv- 
en it a full investigation. His sketch was given out to read, and has never 
been heard of since. Some of the clipped clothes were brought to Conewa- 
go, and attracted so much notoriety that to avoid the importunities of the 
curious. Father Lekeu had them burned. Father Muliedy, when a scholas- 
tic at Conewago. saw them ; so did Mr. Peter Smith, now dead, and others. 
Father Finotti was an Italian priest, with considerable patrimony, whicli he 
employed in his Catholic history researches. His collection of Catholic books 
and authors of America is a valuable work, and it is to be regretted that the 
second part was never finished. He had written a history of the church in 
Virginia, unfortunately destroyed by an accident. What a valuable addition 
it would be to our Catholic history V what labors it cost ? what sad regrets to 
him who valued it more than gold or silver V Father Finotti died from an ac- 
cident, in California, about 1878— see sketch in his Wizard Clip. His library, 
a valuable collection of rare books and pamphlets, treating on Catholic local 
history, — the work of a life-time at a cost of nearly all he possessed, — was 
sold at public auction in New York in 1879, and scattered to the four winds 
of the earth. Though a stranger to this country, he sought under many dif- 
ficulties to reclaim our e^rly history, and by his interest and labors did a 
great deal to create a taste and a desiie on the part of Catholics to have the 
early history of their church preserved. Let the name of FiNOTTi stand 
among the first of our Catholic historians. 

The novices of the Society of Jesus in Frederick taught the colored chil- 
dren the catechism and gave the colored people instructions in ante-bellum 
days. The Oblate Sisters of Providence, colored, were established in Balti- 
more in 1829, by Father Joubert, a priest from San Domingo. In slavery 
times, the colored people had their part in the churches through Maryland, 
where they attended services. 

Bishop Kain, of Wheeling, opened the W. Va. Senate with prayer dur- 
ing legislative session of 1885 ; he also made the invocation when Gov. E. 
W. Wilson was inaugurated, March 4th of that year. Bishop Keane. of 
Richmond, was called upon to open the Virginia House of Delegates with 
prayer, March 17th, 1879 ; the first time within recollection that a Catholic 
prelate was so called upon in that State. 

The consecration of Rev. J. J. Keane, Bishop of Richmond, took place in 
St. Peter's Cathedral, Richmond, Aug. 25th, 1878. Archbishop Gibbons was 
the celebrant ; Rev. A. Van de Vyver, of Harper's Ferry, Deacon of the 
Mass; Archiepiscopal Cross-Bearer, Rev. J. J. Doherty, of Martinsburg ; 
among the Bearers of Offerings, was Rev. Hugh J. McKeefry, then of Key- 
ser ; present as a Seminarian, Father Frioli, now of Keyser. Bishop Lynch, 
of Charleston, delivered the consecration sermon, from which the following 
is taken : 



172 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

In the Diocese, over which he has been appointed to preside, he has had 
apostolic predecessors. Its first Bishop was Rt. Rev. Patrick Kelly. Learn- 
ed, pious, mild and amiable, coming at his age, and coming from a profes- 
sional chair, and finding what was, ecclesiastically speaking, a wilderness 
before him, with, I believe, only two priests in the entire State, he found 
himself unable to meet the hard physical work there required of a pioneer 
Bishop. Still he labored on until called to a more congenial field. He was 
transferred, in 1832, to the See of Waterford. For nineteen years he had no 
successor, and the church of Virginia was administered by the Archbishop of 
Baltimore. 

" In 1841, Richard Vincent Whelan came as second Bishop, young, active, 
zealous, learned, with a large measure of that American tact which enables 
a man to look at difiiculties undismayed, to rejoice at and overcome obsta- 
cles, to understand the needs and the circumstances surrounding him, and 
to undertake any work that may come before him. No wonder that in ten 
years the Church had so grown that the Diocese of Richmond might well be 
divided into two. Bishop Whelan took the new See of Wheeling, and his 
place in Richmond was filled by Right Rev. John McGill, your third Bishop. 
Of him what shall I say. I knew him too well, I honored him too highly, I 
loved him too dearly, to allow me to speak of him without emotion. You 
cannot forget him. Learned, eloquent, gifted with intellectual powers of 
the highest grade, he was respected by all, — while his earnest piety and the 
loveable, almost childlike simplicity and gentleness of his character, his di- 
rectness in all things, and iiis boundless charity of heart could not but force 
all that knew him to love him. For twenty-two years he ruled the Diocese, 
and it prospered. He has passed away full of years, and his memory is still 
sweet among us. Of the fourth Bishop I am forbidden to speak. For he is 
present in that sanctuary. That he had so administered another office as to 
be chosen to fill the vacant chair of Bishop McGill. and that he so adminis- 
tered this Dioceae of Richmond as after a few years to be chosen to occupy, 
as he does, the highest episcopal chair in the hierarchy of the United States. 
Long may he worthily preside over the venerable Metropolitan Church of 
Baltimore." 

The old organ which was used in Old St. Joseph's Church, Phila., as 
early as 1748, came into the possession of the Catholic Church at Chambers- 
burg, Pa., where it was used as late as 1875, and may be yet. It is said to 
be the first organ used in the U. S. It was used on several great occasions 
during the Revolutionary War, and no doubt is the same one alluded to by 
Kalm, the Swedish traveler. 

In Nov., 1879, a new roof was put on Conewago Chapel, the old one 
having been on since 1848. 

In March, 1878, the contract was awarded to Pius Smith, dec'd, for 
building the new brick house on the farm, below the Chapel. This contrac- 
tor did a great deal of work for the Jesuit? at their College. Woodstock. 

May 26, 1878. Mrs. Joanna Sullivan, mother of Father Sullivan, was bur- 
ied this week at Conewago, aged about 86 years. Peter Shanefelter, pension- 
er of the war of 1812. died May 27, 1878, aged 86. He was of the same fam- 
ily as was Father Shanefelter, of Goshenhoppen and the eastern part of Pa., 
in the beginning of this century. 

Father DeBarth, an Alsacian by birth, was the second son of Count Jo- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 173 

seph DeBarth, of a noble family for many generations Catholic. His brother, 
the late General E. Walbach, was John DeBarth Baron de Walbach, and 
when expatriated from France retained the name of Walbach. This explains 
the difference of names of the two brothers. 

In 1803, Rev. Michael Egan, O. S. A., attended Lancaster from Conewa- 
eo. where he had been assistant to Father DeBarth. He became the first 
Bishop of Philadelphia, consecrated Oct. 28th, 1810. He died in 1814, and 
was succeeded in 1830 by Bishop Conwell. In this interim Father DeBarth 
acted as administrator of the Diocese. 

The name of Rev, John Blox appears on the Register at Conewago about 
1840 or '50. He was an assistant at St. Joseph's, Philadelphia, in 1845. 

Father Rey was killed in Mexico in the war of 1846. He went there with 
Father McElroy as volunteer chaplains of the U. S. Army. 

Father Vespre died March 26th, 1860. 

In March, 1862, Father Lilly died at Philadelphia. 

In Father DeBarth's time, the extensive bottom lands along the creeks 
were well cultivated and yielded the best crops. After him they were left 
grow wild until reclaimed by Father Enders. In old times, as high as thirty 
and forty mowers were at work, coming together from different parts of the 
parish and giving their labor gratuitously. It was customaiy in those days 
to set out drink for the hands, though drunkenness was not as common then 
as now. In this respect Father DeBarth was very strict. A man, becoming 
drunk while thus working one day, quit his work and fell asleep. When 
Father DeBarth saw him, he commanded the men to haul him up to the 
house and placed in one of the pig pens, saying that as he made himself 
like unto a swine, he should keep like company. 

Corpus Christi, 1876, Bishop Shanahan present at Procession. In Catho- 
lic countries on this day, the streets of the towns and the public roads are 
strewn with flowers and evergreens, as the Blessed Sacrament is carried 
along in Procession— a devotion intended to draw the blessings of God upon 
the growing harvests and the budding fruits of the earth,— a blessing in 
which the Valley of the Conewago has always liberally shared. This pious 
practice was instituted at Conewago by F. X. Deneckere. S. J., when he first 
came, and continued until late years, when it had to be discontinued on ac- 
count of the thousands of people it annually attracted and the public show 
they made out of it by their irreverence. Father Deneckere spared no labor 
in making it grand and inspiring. The altars were arranged at a distance 
from the church and one in the church-yard. They rivaled in beauty and 
adornment the altars of many a church. The Blessed Sacrament was carried 
under a splendid canopy ; acolytes preceded and children strewed the road 
with flowers ; choristers dressed in white, young men and women bearing 
banners, emblems and statues, followed, and thousands of people came after, 
reciting the rosary. At each altar, the Benediction would be given, while 
the organ played, the choirs sang, bells were rung, and where the incense 
arose little children scattered flowers with their innocent hands ; not unfre- 
quently bands played and volleys were fired. Among the most beautiful of 
the altars was that of Miss Sally Lilly, erected near her house, every year 
that the Procession was held Poor Father Deneckere ! it gave him more 
pleasure to thus render honor and glory to the Blessed Sacrament, than to 
have participated in the grandest demonstrations of men. 



174 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

July 4th, 1876, High Mass in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of 
American Independence. By permission of Father Enders, the American 
flag waved from the steeple of the church. The priests were never found 
wanting in loyalty and patriotism, as far as right with their sacred calling, 
and consistent. At the death of a President, or for any other national calam- 
ity, the bells of Catholic Churches toll in sympathy, and from Catholic altars 
a sacrifice is offered in mediation or atonement. 

Aug., 1876, Father Coppens, S. J., gave a mission in Hanover. 

1877, Dec. 33d, Mass said on B. V. altar, on account of work on marble 
altar. Father Brady, Provincial, said Mass and spoke. 1877, June 3d, fif- 
tieth anniversary of Pius Ninth's episcopate and 31st of his Pontificate ; many 
Communions, — plenary indulgence. 

New Year's morning, 1878, first Mass said on marble altar by the vener- 
able Superior, Father Enders. 

1878, April 27th, masons commenced work on the new brick house at 
the Chapel ; old stone building torn away ; was doubtless erected by Father 
Pellentz. 

1878, May 5th. Father Deneckere preached on the Month of Mary, a beau- 
tiful and touching sermon — his streaming locks of silver gray flowed grace- 
fully on his shoulders : and though his hands trembled, his voice was strong 
and clear, as he extolled the praises of the Mother of God. exhorted his 
bearers to be faithful and obedient children and follow in the footsteps of 
her Divine Son. Well do I remember the holy severity, edifying life and 
faithful teachings of this venerable Jesuit. 1878, Decoration Day, Maj. Jen- 
kins Post G. A. R., of Hanover, decorated graves in Conewago Cemetery ; 
Father Deneckere made address — a beautiful comparison between the chris- 
tian warrior and the soldier of the world ; favorably impressed all present. 
1878, June 9th. Father Brady, Provincial, preached. June 23(1, Father 
Haugh, of Frederick, delivered sermon on the Real Presence. July 4th, 
Lewis Will died, at an advanced age. He farmed Paradise Church a num- 
ber of years ; his brother and his father, Charley and Jacob, lived on the 
Conewago farm for many years, from about 1830. Before them, the land 
was farmed by the Superiors, who had men hired to do the work, especially 
teamstering. John Weaver became tenant after the Wills, and remained 
fifteen years ; James Devine is now on the farm almost that long, if not lon- 
ger. This is the oldest farm-house on the Chapel land, which originally 
comprised a section, or 640 acres. The old barn was blown down in 1825, 
and rebuilt. The second house and barn were built forty years ago, along 
the McSherrystown road ; John Small, first tenant, remained until 1876 ; his 
sons, John and Ignatius, succeeded ; in 1881, Ignatius took the farm, and 
soon after married a daughter of James Devine. Good farmers are never 
removed. When the third farm-house and barn were built along the Han- 
over road, about five years ago, John, son of James Devine, became the far- 
mer. 1878, July, the marble altar was taken down ; foundations gave way, 
owing to intense cold weather when first erected. July 10th, Frederick Del- 
lone died and was buried at Paradise ; was near 80, and a good Catholic to 
the church for a life-time. His father was Michael, and his grand-father 
Nicholas, who came to the Abbottstown settlement from France, returned 
and came again. 1878, collections for relief of Yellow Fever sufferers. Sept. 
23d, Nicholas Fleigle died, aged over 80. Mr. O'Neill relates that when he 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 175 

lived at the church about fifty years ago, a man and woman were observed 
one day praying before the church, with extended arms. Father Lekeu 
learned that they were fulfilling a vow made during a storm at sea, where 
they lost a child. He assisted them to settle near Conewago ; they were 
good Catholics and industrious people, and their children's children are now 
scattered through the parish. The early pastors of Conewago interested 
themselves in getting poor emigrants to settle in the Valley, and in some in- 
stances put up temporary shelter in the church-yard until homes could be 
secured for them. Oct., 1878, statues placed in the vacant niches in the 
walls. Oct. 13th, Bishop Shanahan confirmed 101 b^ys, 96 girls. Gave good 
instruction to parents and children ; warned them against evil literature 
scattered broadcast now-a-days. He gave Communion. Oct. 20tli, Father 
McGurk preached. Nov. 30th. Father Emig preached funeral sermon of 
Miss Annie O'Bold. Dec. 8th, Father Casey preached his first sermon at 
Conewago. Mat. Dolan died this day. Feast of Blessed Virgin ; he was one 
of Father Deneckere's school-boys. Father Jamieson preached at funeral of 
Mrs. Stormbaugh in Jan.. 1877. 

Death of Father Deneckere.— Epiphany, 1879, Rev. F. X. Deneckere 
very sick at Littlestown ; Father Enders went up to see him. Saturday, 
Jan. 4th, 1879 was a piercing cold day, — raining, blowing and freezing. 
Father Enders, Superior, did not want Father Deneckere to go, but he drove 
to LittlesLown, and was nearly frozen when he got there. He lost his way 
or was confused and benumbed by the icj^ rain and cold ; and stopping to 
ask the road, wo aid not allow those who directed liim to go along and drive, 
saying it was too cold for them to be out. He would not remain with any 
of his congregation at Littlestown. but went to the church where he had 
his sleeping apartment in one of the sacristies. There he was found sick 
and was properly cared for. Father Enders arrived the next day and ad- 
ministered the Sacraments. He died Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 1879. His re- 
mains were put in a neat coffin and placed before the altar. Thursday after- 
noon he was taken to Conewago, and interred in a vault under the altar, 
Friday morning at 9 o'clock, during a High Mass of Requiem. Father 
Casey said the Mass, and Father Enders made a few remarks. He said it 
was not customary for one of a family to proclaim the good deeds of anoth- 
er. As there was a large congregation present, he could not help but say a 
few words. Many years ago he and Father Deneckere were appointed on 
the Maryland missions, where they labored together ; sometimes in the sad- 
dle day and night, attending sick calls and other duties of the missions. 
Thej' were, with another Father, (Cotting.) removed to Conewago, where 
they had five missions to attend, — Conewago. York. Littlestown. Paradise 
and Gettysburg. God prospered their labors, and since that many new con- 
gregations have sprung up around them. They had been sent to other fields 
several times, but as often returned to " patch up " the old structure ; and 
liow as their days are being numbered, they have no other desire but to find 
rest near the altar where they served. [Poor Father, even that consolation 
was denied him, for he died and was buried at Frederick.] Lastly, he 
would fulfill the dying request of the late beloved Father, namely, to 
beg for him of the congregation and all with whom he came in contact dur- 
ing his life, pardon for any offence he may have given them, and to ask all 
to pray for him. Father Deneckere was a devoted teacher, and though ad- 



176 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

vised by his Superior to give up his school on account of his increasing age 
and infirmities, he would not, but gave lessons yet to one poor boy even up 
to his death. He loved his school next to his sacred calling, saying that if 
he gained one addition to the priesthood, all his labors would be fully re- 
paid. Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine 
upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Rev. F. X. Deneckere was a 
brother of Rev. Hippolytte Deneckere, who was six or eight years his junior. 
Rev. F. X. Deneckere was a student all his life, and while he taught his boys 
at Conewago, he himself took lessons in German from Father Enders, to per- 
fect himself more in that language. Besides French, his mother tongue, he 
spoke English and Latin as well, and was a good Greek scholar. His name 
from the French is properly spelled " De Necker," but we have followed his 
own way of writing it " Deneckere." 

1879, Jan. 25th, Rey. Geo. Villiger came to Conewago to take Father 
Deneckere 's place. May 25th, Fathers Casey and Eraig gave the Jubilee. 

Procession on Corpus Christi ; large crowds, not the best order ; Super- 
ior preached of the want of respect and reverence for holy things. 

Dec. 13th, Sister Amelia (McSherry,) buried at St. Joseph's Convent, Mc- 
Sherrystown. 1880. Feb., collections for famine sufferers in Ireland ; Sis- 
ters collected aid, seeds, &c., and sent to friends in need. No procession 
this year ; Father Dufour preached on Corpus Christi. Decoration Day, 
May 30th. Rev. Dufour made address in Conewago Cemetery, and Ed. S. 
Reily at Mt. Olivet, Hanover. July 18th. Father Fianigan went to Bonneau- 
ville. Rev. Shanahan, its pastor, being absent on a visit to Ireland. Father 
Enders announced that Sisters intended building a larger chapel ; old chap- 
el was too small and unhealthy. 

Aug. 1st, Father Archambault preached his first sermon at Conewago ; 
is to succeed Father Casey at Oxford and Paradise. He went to finish his 
studies ; was an enei'getic young priest ; hgd the churches in his charge re- 
painted and improved. 

Aug., 1880, letter from Father Dufour, fiom Louisiana, to a friend ; re- 
quests prayers for several converts that they may remain steadfast in the 
faith . 

Oct. 17th, Father Gutti, of Philadelphia, said early Mass 

Christmas, seven Masses, over 1000 Communicant?. Library remodeled, 
catalogued and put in order. Have a very large library, many rare and val- 
uable works. The Little Chapel is used for a library. There used to be 
nothing but a small passage connect the church with the priests' house. 
Father Enders, about 1870, had it enlarged and a beautiful altar erected 
therein, where he said Mass in winter, and had his confessional in the room 
adjoining, — a room long occupied by Father DeBarth. while the front room 
adjoining was used by Father Lekeu. Father Manns' confessional is under 
the north gallery steps ; Father Deneckere 's was the first in the south wing, 
and the one nearest the Sanctuary was used by Father Enders and different 
priests. For twenty-five years, Father Manns has never been away from his 
confessional on church days, and oftentimes is found there, praying, when 
there is no one about. He is a great confesssor. The room adjoining the 
parlor was occupied by Father Enders as Supeiior. The house was plainly 
furnished under him. His room had nothing but the necessary furniture, 
a folding cot, erected in a boarded up doorway, was opened out and arraug- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 177 

ranged for him by Brother Donohue in the evening, and in the morning 
closed up again Under Father f^oran, the liouse has been remodeled and 
refurnished. Father Deneckere's room was above the parlor. Those who 
were in it once will never forget the various collection of invention, science, 
toys, mechanism, &c., which he had in use, some for one purpose, and some 
for another, and at which he spent the very few leisure moments at hiscom- 
nifind. The Bishop's roon\ was diagonally across from his. The rooms 
fronting south were occupied, one by Father Manns, the rest by other priests 
and students, as they came. The saintly Brother Donohue occuiiied the at- 
tic. He was a faithful servant. About 1884, he was sent to Frederick, his 
health failing. In another attic room was stored the '' old librar}^" It was 
a valuable collection of books, probably brought together by the priests and 
accumulated in one way or another. There are thousands of books out of 
use and print now, old Bibles, and treatises on theology, philosophy, and 
various commentaries by the old scholars ana masters. They are in all lan- 
guages ; some printed as early as the sixteenth century. 

In the sprinsr of 1885, the small (old) window glass in the church was 
taken out and modern glass put in. some stained. Aug. 29th. 1885, the 
work of enlarging the priests' house nearly completed. The building is now 
three-story all around, with a French roof, and a large porch fronting the 
churchyard. 

During vacation at the Convent in McSherrystown this summer, the old 
day school houses were torn down and new ones erected. Sister Fat- 
rick, who has charge of the boys' school, collected the funds herself to build 
the new school house, and assisted in the work of building with her own 
hands. She is an energetic Irish Sister, a great favorite as a teacher with 
the boys. 

Will of Charles Hughes, made Feb. 7th, 1831, witnessed by C. Paulus 
Kohlman, S. J., and Andrew McManus. Wills to Father "^ Lague " (Lekeu) 
'• all due him " and his weaver's loom. He lived in one of the small houses 
below the hill at the Chapel. His father's name was Patrick ; he died near 
Abbottstown, and was carried to Conewago by his sons. Charles Hughes 
had a weaver shop near Bonaughtown; there Feter Smith, (dec'd, at the age 
of 86.) learned his trade. 

To all people, to whom these presents shall or may come: I., Francis I- 
Neale, of Georgetown, Dist. Col., send Greeting.' Whereas, I, the said Fran- 
cis I. Neale, by the last will and testament of Rev. Robert Molyneaux, be- 
came heir to an estate in Conewago Twp., Adams Co., Pa., lately held by 
the Rev. James Pellentz, and now in occupation by Rev. Lewis DeBarth, &c.. 
filed in the Register's office for the city and county of Phila., &c., I do here- 
by constitute, &c.. Rev. Lewis DeBarth, of Adams Co., Pa., my lawful at- 
torney, &c. Signed June 21st, 1811. R. Mclllhenney, John Larentz, James 
McSheny, Franz Marshall, witnesses. 

Francis Neale, of Charles Co., Md., appointed Rev. Matthew Lekeu his 
attorney for the Conewago property, signed in the City of Washington, July 
24th, 1828 ; acknowledged before Geo. Naylor, J. P. ; attested by Wm. 
Brent, clerk of Circuit Court ; Certified by W. Cranch, Chief Judge Circuit 
Court ; and by " H. Clay." 

The following tradition comes down to us through good and intelligent 
people of Conewago : One of the ancestors of the Marshalls, Jacob or Joseph, 



178 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

was a close man and self-willed. He had one son a priest, and one or two 
were Brothers. His daughter desired to become a religious, but the father 
would not consent ; all her entreaties were in vain. She was a young girl, 
very good in every way, and had never been away from home. After fruit- 
less prayers and entreaties, she left her father's house one night, and made 
her way in the direction of Westminster. Dense forests then covered most 
parts of the country, and she was soon lost, not knowing which vvay to go. 
Recommending herself to the care of the Blessed Virgin she continued her 
journey, when a young man came riding along on a snow white horse, and 
asked her where she was going. She told him her story, and he assisted her 
to mount the horse with him, nothing uncommon in those days. After rid- 
ing all day, he halted his horse before an humble-looking house, and told 
her they were at the Sisterhood she wished to enter, and she was kindly re- 
ceived by the good nuns. The young man rode off, no one knew whither. 
Even if the young man was only a traveler passing the way, she had reason 
to thank God for her guidance and protection. 

Years ago, Conewago was called the Chapel of the Blue Spring, but the 
name was never very generally accepted. A young student at Dickinson, 
named Barnitz, from Hanover, wrote a romantic story about 1840, entitled 
The Recluse of the Conewago, in which he uses the expression " Blue Spring 
Chapel." The Blue Spring is a strong stream of water, issuing from the 
limestone rocks in the church bottom, below the Chapel, and flowing into 
the Conewago. The water has a bluish cast, and hundreds of feet of rope 
let down failed to reach any bottom. There are large fish in it. It seems to 
be more or less affected by the actions of the tide, and has never been known 
to go dry. The students had a boat on it, and it has always been something 
of an attraction. Such caves, springs or sink holes are common in lime- 
stone countries. 

From a diary kept by one of the Fathers at Conewago, from Feb.. 1844. 
to Oct., 1846, we glean some interesting notes. The writer evidently was a 
German, and was either Father Steinbacher, or Dietz. 

In the month of February, 1844, Father Nicholas Steinbacher. in his 47th 
year, the 24th of his priesthood, and the 12th of his admission to the Society, 
was transferred from Goshenhoppen to Conewago, by the Provincial, Father 
J. Ryder. The resident priests at Conewago were, Fathers Philip Anthony 
Sacchi, Roger Joseph Dietz and Rev. F. X. Kendeler. a secular priest. That 
was the time Father Thomas Lilly was sent there to adjust the"'old accounts" 
of Father Lekeu, who had been an easy manager, having allowed long 
standing accounts without settlement. The first Provincial of the Society 
for the Province of Maryland was Rev. Wm. McSherry. S. J., and prior to 
that there were no Visitors to examine the accounts and to keep business 
matters straight as they now do. At that time much of the Society's busi- 
ness management in other places was not so systematically conducted as it 
is now. No blame is attached to the Superiorship of Father Lekeu. except 
that he was too easy in conducting business. He is remembered as a kind 
and generous priest, who tried to make all around him happy. Conewago 
gained more through his labors and the liberality of his friends in France, 
than the Society lost by his want of financial ability. He was removed to 
White Marsh, where his health suffered. His Superiors said he might re- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 170 

turn to Frauce, where he died. 

1844, May 13--Rev. Kyle came here from Phila., after the burning of St. 
Augustine's ; remained eight days. July 4, Madame Murphy died at Mc- 
Sherrystown ; she is the fourth nun dying there since its commencement. 
Aug. 5. Rev. Fathers Rey and Tufifer, Messrs. Earley, McGuire, McSherry, 
Lynch, Gillespie and Kreighton, Scholastics, arrived to spend vacation. 
They held services at the adjoining churches. Father Tiffer (or Tufler) 
preached his first sermon at Paradise. Sept. 11, Bishop Kenrick arrived to 
give confirmation at our churches. Father Steinbacher used to be gone two 
weeks, attending the Mountain Church and doing missionary work in Nip- 
per's (also written Nippero's) Valley, probably somewhere along the South 
Mountains. The other Fathers attended McSherrystown, Littlestown, Get- 
tysbuig. Paradise and the home church ; all preached English and German ; 
sometimes Father Steinbacher would pi-each English and German at one 
Mass at Conevvago. Oct. 9th, there was a long letter from Father De Smet, 
from Lima ; he is in excellent health ; gives a very interesting account of 
his travels, and particularly when they discovered that he was a Jesuit ; since 
they had not seen one since the Suppression of the Society. Oct. 17, Revs. 
Curry and McCloskey called here on their way to McSherrystown ; will say 
Mass there in the morning. Oct. 22d, Mass was said for the repose of the 
soul of Father DeBarth, by Father Steinbacher. 23d, Father Ryder, Provin- 
cial, arrived. Will leave for Phila. on the 25th, where he is to preach a 
charity eernion, for the building of a small church near the ruins of St. 
Augustine's. Dec. 25, Father Steinbacher said Mass at midnight at McSher- 
rystown. 28th, He received a letter from Father Fenwick. announcing the 
death of Father Young at Alexandria. 1845, Jan. 1st. Wm. Detrick, a school 
teacher, became a convert under Fr. Steinbacher. Jan. 9th, John Smith 
buried. Father Steinbacher played the organ. 15th, The Provincial, Fr. 
Verhagen, ordered Fr. Sacchi to Frederick to take the place of Fr. Vespre, 
who goes to Phila. Father S. left Feb. 7th with the stage to Balto., where 
ho takes the cars to Frederick. Feb. 17th, Samuel Barber, S. J., arrived 
here in place of Fr. Sacchi. April 10, Fathers Provincial and Rey arrived, 
will go to Phila. April 24, sixteen men put up scaffolding to paint the 
church. 28. Messrs. Monachesi and Uberti here from Phila. to paint. April 
30, Father Steinbacher left for Reading to lay the corner-stone of a new 
church. May 1st, an altar decorated in the school room, where Mass will 
be said during May, as the painting of the chux'ch prevents its celebration 
thei-e. May 29th, Father Zocchi, from Taneytown, paid us a visit and took 
dinner. June 11, the painters finished and scaffolding taken down. 14, 
John Nippers and Bartholoraee, Novices, arrived here from Frederick for a 
cow, which Father Steinbacher presented to the Novitiate. 28th, Brother 
Macarius, of the Trappist order, from Mount Mallory, County Waterford, 
Ireland, arrived here, he got .§1000 in two weeks at Phila. ; he got about ^70 
at Conewago, tS;i6 from the Boarders and 82.50 from the Mother. July 7, 
Rev. Galligher, from Brownsville, came to collect for his church. 14, Rev. 
O'Hara, of Chambersburg, stopped with us a few days. 27, Rev. Myers, 
from Washington, said Mass and preached. Oct. 9, Rev. Kendler left for 
Milwaukee ; Father Lynch came in his place. (He left for the College at 
Worcester, Nov. 24th.) Dec. 2, Father Provincial by order of the Father 
General, ordered solemn fast for suffering Jesuits in Europe. (Father Gib- 



180 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

bons' name now mentioned.) Dec. 12, 1845, Father Dietz went to Taney- 
town to give last Sacraments to Father Zocchi. He died on the 19th, and 
Father D. sang the High Mass at his funeral on the 20th. 1846, Jan. 15, Rev. 
McCaflfry and McClosky paid us an agreeable visit. Feb. 28, 1846, Father 
Dietz took his departure ; ordered by the Provincial to Bohemia. (Gave 
the diary to Fr. Gibbons.) They were all sorry when he left, except Broth- 
er Quinlan who was laughing. March 15, Father Verhagen, Fxov., said 
Mass and preached. 16, Fr. Tuffer " arrived here to take charge of the con- 
gregation." (He might have been Superior between Frs. Steiiibacher and 
Enders.) April 2, Brother Patrick Carroll arrived fiom Georgetown. 4th, 
Bro. Quinlan left for Alexandria. May 24, Father '" Vandevil ' preached at 
Conewago, after the lapse of 21 years since his last sermon at the Chapel. 
June 10, "■ got an account of the death of Brother Quinlan, by letter from 
Father Coombs." 11, Father Samuel MuUedy preached a very eloquent ser- 
mon. July 12, Bi'other Marshall arrived from Georgetown. 14, Rev. Mr. 
''Curry," from the College, paid us a visit. Aug. 2d, Rev. Mr. '"Vero" 
preached panegyric of St. Ignatius. There is mention of a Brother Leary at 
Conewago at this time. Aug. 20th, Messrs. McGuigau and O'Callahan, schol- 
astics, left here for Frederick. (This must have been the Father O'Callahan 
who was fatally injured on a vesssel during a storm.) Aug. 24th, Messrs. 
Duddy and Gillespie arrived from the Colleee ; Rev. Messrs. Jenkins and 
Griffin, from the Seminary, paid us a visit. " It is learned that old Father 
Barber has arrived safe at Georgetown College." 

There are many little details in the every-day life at Conewago, that 
would be interesting to many of our readers, but space forbids. Father 
Dietz 's strong voice is playfully referred to It is said he could easily be 
heard down at the Church yard gate, while reciting the Introibo at the foot 
of the altar. When Edward Reily, Sr., died. Father Dietz came to the house 
and walked with the funeral to the church as the corpse was carried there. 

Sunday, Nov. 22d, 1885. — Spent a few days at Conewago. Last Sunday 
the mission cross erected by the great missionary, Weininger, about 35 years 
ago, was removed from the north side of the church to the rear of the grave- 
yard, and raised there, after having been reincased with boards. It is the 
intention to remove the priests from under the altar, and bury them around 
the cross. Many a prayer was said at the foot of the old mission cross. It 
was erected in 1857. 

Father Finnegan, a yery old priest, has been at Conewago since 1870. 
He was a Maryland priest, born in Ireland, and ordained by Bishop Mare- 
chal in 1826. His mind was affected for some years, and now he is quite 
childish. There was some question about the validity of his ordination. He 
was a learned priest, and during the month of May, we remember while at 
school, he would sing the office of the Blessed Virgin every morning in his 
room. Every Sunday morning he would feel his way into the Sanctuary, 
u venerable looking little man with flowing white hair, and receive Com- 
munion. He seldom spoke to anyone. When the school boys did him any 
little service in his room, they would some times take advantage of the occa- 
sion to ask assistance in their lessons, which he would kindly answer in a 
very few words, but say nothing more. Poor Brother Donohue took great 
pleasare in assisting the boys with their lessons, for which he received many 
a severe scolding from Father Deneckere. Father Di Maria, another aged 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 181 

priest, spent a few jears at Con evvas2;o about that time, and found great pleas- 
ure in taking part ■with the school boys in their play. He was a delightful 
old P'ather, smoking his long meerschaum pipe, and always looking for 
some fun. He put the weather-vane on the stable, which we believe is still 
there. He was fond of snow birds as a delicacy, and on the coldest day he 
might be seen with an old musket looking for these birds, and if he had hit 
all he shot at, few would have been left. Mrs. Strausbaugh, a very old Ger- 
man woman, lived below- the hill at that time, and every day came up to the 
church to j ray. Father Di Maria thought he would have some fun with her 
one day, and began telling her some wonderful story he had made up for 
the purpose. Sh« listened earnestly, then walked off, saj'ing, •' Es kent sei, 
ovver ich glaubs net," — It might be, but I don't believe it. The joke was 
turned, and the Fathers enjoyea themselves at his expense. 

In looking over the old records, not much additional matter was found 
to note. Many of the names of the forefathers of the families now living in 
the valley, appear in baptismal, marriage and death records. Their publi- 
cation would be interesting to the generations now living at Conewago, and 
those to come. To prepare and publish them would necessitate great labor 
and expense. Nicholas Will died Jan. 1st, 1808. doubtless the great-grand- 
father of the present Wills ; so with the Overbaughs. Smalls. Lillys, Storms, 
Shorbs. and hundreds of the early settlers, on the different missions attend- 
ed from Conewago. Lorenz Gubernator has the title of organist after his 
death record. He must ha%'e conducted some kind of a choir in old times. 
John L. Gubernator played the organ in Father Lekeu's time. Father Stein- 
bacher changed organists, and Anthony Smith took his place Then John 
S. Brady had charge of the choir for many years. Father Forhan had anew 
choir organized, with David Smith as organist, — a son, we believe, of the old 
organist. 

A few more names of priests were found on the records, as sponsors : 
Rev. John N. Mertz in 1803, 4 and 5 ; Rev. N. Zocchi in 1804 ; Rev. Carr in 
1808 ; Rev. D. Carolus Nagot in 1813 ; Rey. A. Marshall in 1817. 

The first baptismal record by Father Enders is on Sept. 26th, 1847 ; and 
that of Father Manns in Sept., 1853. He was ordained at Frederick, June 
17th. 1853. After a short stay at Conewago, he labored elsewhere until 
1862,— since that at Conewago. He now attends the Sisters at McSherrys- 
town. His spare moments are devoted to the translation of some religious 
works in German in the original, and has quite a collection of manuscript 
copy. One of the Sisters aids him in the English translation. Father Her- 
man Richard attends Faividise and Oxford from Conewago. He is a very 
genial Father ; born May Sth, 1834 ; entered the Society Oct. 1st, 1857. 

Conewago, though not a classic land of artists and poets, has its charms, 
many of which are derived from its religion. '• The palaces of Genoa and 
Venice, without their churches, would not compensate for their scorched and 
unhealthy marshes. The monotonous plain of Milan would be no delight- 
ful recollection without the thought of its Cathedral. The formal hills which 
border the pale and turbid Po at Turin, would inspire no interest if they 
were not crowned with that votive Church of the Superga. The low, sandy 
banks of the Arno would not arrest the pilgrim at Pisa, if there were 
not the soil of Calvary in the Campo Santo, the Cathedral,' the Baptistery 
and the Campanile. The vale and hills of Florence, with their famed but 



182 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

disappointing stream, are unquestionably surpassed in natural beauty by the 
English valleys of the Severn or the Wye; but art, inspired by the Catholic re- 
ligion, has raised that dome and tower in the Tuscan plain, and crowned the 
hills which encircle it with those beautiful convents which Michael Angt^lo 
used to regard with rapture. How hideous would be the range of the Ap- 
penines, if it were not for Camaldoli and Alvernia ! Who would be attached 
to Sienna, if it were not for its cathedral and Gothic towers ! and what pil- 
grim from the North would be attracted to Ancona by the scenery of that 
level shore of the Adriatic, if it were not for the hope of arriving at the house 
of our Blessed Lady." Though fair and fertile the Valley of the Conewago, 
it is surpassed in extent by that of the Cumberland, and in abrupt and ever- 
changing scenery by the valleys of the Potomac and the Shenandoah ; but 
the Church of the Sacred Heart fills the mind of the Catholic with thoughts 
of the early missionaries, and his own pioneer forefathers uf the faith indaj's 
of Colonial hardships and persecutions ; it touches his heart by the dearest 
memories there cherished for time ; and raising it to heavenly desires, car- 
ries him back over the pathway of the Catholic Church to the fountain-head 
of all that we have in this world or hope for in the next. 

Though the fields may be green and the harvests rich ; — though man be 
in the enjoyment of all the comforts and pleasures of life, health and wealth ; 
there are times when his soul complains and will not be satisfied. ^ With- 
out an altar, not the shade of the lofty groves, not the soft meadows, not the 
stream descending from the rocks, and clearer than crystal, winding through 
the plain, can satisfy the soul of man. Left in the presence of nature alone, 
it faints and becomes like earth without the dew of heaven : it is oppressed 
by the contemplation of that vast immensity ; it loses its tranquility and its 
joy. Man in himself can find no rest or peace ; and how should he find re- 
pose in the works of nature, when these themselves are forever restless V 
The fire mounts in a perpetual course, always flickering and impatient ; the 
air is agitated with conflicting winds, and susceptible of the least impulse ; 
the water hurries on, and knows no peace ; and even this ponderous and 
solid earth, with its rocks and mountains, endures an unceasing process of 
disintegration, and is ever on the change." 

"■ Even to the mere poetic soul, what a delightful accompaniment to the 
silent hymn of nature, is that chiming of angelus bells which rises at even- 
ing and at noon, and at the sweet hour of prime, from all sides of a Catholic 
valley V— bells that may well be termed of the angel ; that are not rung, as 
in other lands, by base hands, through love of sordid gain, to celebrate 
some occasion of sensual joy, temporal and vain, soon to change to mourn- 
ing as vain ; but by pious hands, through the devout intention of inspiring 
men with thoughts of prayer." 

After all our efforts to arrange some kind of a history of Conewago, 
many things yet remain that might be worthy of preservation. Some ac- 
count could be given of the many humble and holy lives that were passed 
unseen by the hurrying crowds of the world, but what cares the world for 
such V Cold and ungrateful are even our best friends : those who were near- 
est and dearest to the Fathers in life, it grieves us to say, are found most in- 
different to their memories after they have passed away. At most, it will 
only be a few years until others take our places. Life is too short and busy 
to have much thought except for the present. Why then any further record ? 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 



183 



The birds sing the same among the trees this year as they did in the long 
ago. The seasons bring the same joys and pleasures as of old. Some rejoice 
to-day. while others mourn. The bells ring as sweetly and toll as sorrowful- 
ly though centuries have elapsed and generations disappeared. The sound 
of song or the organ's peal may die out to some while first reaching the ears 
of others. Eloquent sermons, ceremonies most grand and imposing, — every- 
thing that pleases the eye or touches the heart, shall be heard until time is 
no more. The Church inspires man with the same lofty desires as she did in 
the days of the great Masters at the Cradle of Arts, and Literature may still 
find the Rise and Decline of Nations among the rich memories and everlast- 
ing beauties of an Ara Coeli. What matters it whether nations are unborn 
or buried ; one is the same as the other ; life is death and death is life, and 
though to-day be full of memories, to-morrow all will be oblivion. Why 
rehearse all that is dear to me in the Book of Memory V Why turn its pages, 
and search for faded scraps and treasured relics ; why look for the corners of 
bright leaves turned down, and drop tears over pages that are dark and 
stained with remorse V Has the vulgar crowd nothing more to mock at ; — 
nothing less sacred for its amusement than the memories of the past ? Shall 
my farewells amuse them, while the hoary ferryman plys his oar V Fate in- 
exorable ! Destiny eternal I Never has man evaded thee, and mortal never 
will, " Unhappy guest at the banquet of life, I appear for one day and die ! 
I die, and on my grave no one will scatter flowers. Farewell, fields that I 
love ! and thou, sweet verdure ! and thou, smiling solitude of woods ! Sky, 
beauteous canopy for man ! admirable Nature ! for the last time, farewell !'' 

"• Not always full of leaf, nor ever Spring ; 

Not endless night, nor yet eternal day : 
The saddest birds, a season find to sing ; 

The roughest storm, a calm may soon allay. 
Thus with succeeding terms, God tempereth all. 
That man may hope to rise, yet fear to fall." 



THE OLD CONEWAGO CHURCH. 




[Commenced in 1785, Enlarged and Improved up to 1886.] 



184 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Enlargement of Conewago Church in 1850. — From some memoran- 
da of an official report of Father Enders, Superior, made Feb. 29th, 1852, we 
glean some facts in regard to the enlargement of the Conewago Church in 
1850. So many changes are constantly taking place in everything, that the 
surroundings of Conewago only this short time ago seem strange to us. 
This was the more forcibly called to our mind when a few weeks ago we 
overheard several middle-aged people before the Church at Conewago, re- 
calling to each other the changes that had taken place since they as boys had 
attended catechism there ; few of their companions remained : the old Fath- 
ers were all gone, and marked changes on every hand impressed them with 
the flight of time. 

In considering the enlargement of the church, one source of regret vras 
the necessity of removing part of the walls of the old church and destroying 
some of the artistic decorations that had shortly before been executed. Bui 
the need of more room and accommodations was felt, and it was the will of 
the Bishop, Superior and the greater part of the congregation, that the old 
church be enlarged instead of building and maintaining a new church in 
some other part of the parish. The enlargement was effected by taking down 
the sanctuary and replacing it with transepts, making the building cross- 
form and the church fully as large again. As the old part of the church was 
painted in the very best style, there was no alternative but have the new 
part painted in harmony with the old. The title of the church is of the Sac- 
red Heart ; this was to guide in the choice of the objects represented. " It 
was our good fortune to find an artist who was fully equal to the task, hav- 
ing carried off the first premium in the historical art of painting in one of the 
best European Academies. "" The three wonders of divine love in the Re- 
demption, i. e., the Incarnation, Death of the Saviour, and the Institution of 
the Blessed Sacrament, form the principal subjects of the painting, to v,'hich 
correspond His coming from Heaven. His return to tlie Father, the Adora- 
tion of the Holy of Holies by Angels, in the ceiling ; the representation of 
the Blessed Trinity forming the center-piece, in a blind cupola of about 20 
feet diameter, bordered with stucco leaves in gilt and bronze. In the Bless- 
ed Tiinity the Son is represented in the bosom of the Father, receiving the 
Sceptre of Supreme Dominion, with the left hand, holding at the same time 
the cross, whilst the right hand is raised to bless ; the heart being visible ; 
the Holy Ghoot appears in the form of a dove. This is a most imposing com- 
position, carried out with all the splendor that color is capable of imparting. 
In the left side against the wall is the Nativity, the Infant lying in the man- 
ger, the Blessed Virgin on her knees, wliilst St. Joseph is prostrate in an act 
of adoration : an Angel hovers on high, whilst the background presents a 
landscape, covered by the darkness of night ; close by the crib where lies the 
new-born babe on a pallet of straw, is a stall for cattle, which reach over to- 
wards the child, as if to impart warmth by their breath on the tiny body of 
the Creator of all Nature, now exposed to the cold and dampness of the man- 
ger at Bethlehem. Above this in the ceiling of the transept, is represented 
the Saviour, who was the expectation of the nations, descending from Heav- 
en, and as it were taking leave of His Father, returning with one hand the 
Crown of Glory, whilst the other hand is receiving from the Father the cross 
with the ciown of thorns. Two Archangels are supporting the holy group, 
holding a scroll with an inscription. In the other transept against the wall, 



CATHDl.rC LOCAL HISTORY. 1^85 

is the the Death of the Saviour, with which corresponde His Ascension into 
Heaven above in the ceiling, His entering into glory in contrast with the act 
of His deepest humiliation. Christ on the Cross, having already ex- 
pired, is masterly carried out in design and irl its anatomical dispositions. 
At the right side are standing the Blessed Virgin with an expression of im- 
mense sorrovv, and St. John also overwhelmed with grief, close by in readi-- 
ness to support her. At the foot of the ci-oss is Mary Magdalene on her 
knees, drying up with her veil the blood that flowed from the holy Victim. 

The master-piece was reserved for the Sanctuary, — The Last Supper and 
the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Sanctuary forms a half circle, 
presenting a surface of some sixty feet in breadth. Little less than half of 
that space is taken up with the picture proper, the rest in decoration of the 
grandest style. The artist chose the moment when Christ consecrated the 
bread, holding it with the left hand, whilst the rijiht is raised to bless it, and 
the eyes to Heaven. The twelve Apostles are around the table in the most 
reverential attitude, and with expressions of the deepest interest and devo- 
tion. Above in the ceiling is the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which 
is surrounded by myriads of angels, intoning in full chorus the Tanfnm Er- 
go, Sacramenium, accompanied by music on various instruments. The rich- 
est decorations surround these scenes ; vines encircle the whole Sanctuary, 
over gilt columns with arches, where clusters of grapes ai-e ranged, and the 
root or main stem of the vine proceeds from a chalice in the hands of a figure 
of our Saviour. Stars are shining in the blue sky background of the paint- 
ing in the ceiling, and the full moon rises in the east on a background of the 
shades of night in the Last Supper. All these paintings are done on the 
plastering of the walls. The same artist painted the death of St. Francis, on 
canvas, which is now over his altar, and the Fourteen Stations, of four by 
six feet, which adorn the walls. " If the latter bear marks of hurry, the 
former is elaborate, and succeeded perhaps best of all." " All the paintings, 
which bear the stamp of originality, and genius, are of brilliant colors and 
present a most imposing view ; and whilst they are attracting numbers of 
the curious, ihey fail not to contribute to the edification and instruction of 
the faithful." 

After the completion of the improvements, the church was first used for 
the celebration of the half-centennial Jubilee, which was held in most of the 
congregations with a retreat,— at Conewago, March 16th to 23d, 1851. Two 
Fathers of the Tertianship conducted the exercises at Gettysburg and Lit- 
tlestown. The next event was the solemn consecration of the Church, Aug. 
15th. While the ceremonies were going on inside the church, one of the 
Fathers preached in German to the assembled crowd outside. Sunday fol- 
lowing the solemn benediction of the graveyard took place, which in conse- 
quence of the enlargement of the church, had to be extended. It has been 
several times since enlarged, and now almost reaches the public road pass- 
ing back of the church. Many changes were made in the outbuildingsv 
stables, fences, and gardens, at that time. The priests' house was enlarged, 
so as to throw the kitchen farther away from the church. A large cistern 
was dug near the new kitchen ; the old carriage house was turned into a 
bake and wash house ; the stables were removed farther down : the gardens 
and yards enlarged and fenced in, and a high stone wall built between th« 
garden and the graveyard, separated before by a '' slight plank fence." 



186 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Among the letters of the Fathers, there are few that add anything to the 
history of Conewago. There is some correspondence between Father Enders 
and Rosalie Stecker, Innsbruck, Austria, about some paintings. Francis 
Stecker painted the Conewago Church, and executed several jjaintings pre- 
served there. What relation between them, we cannot say. There is a let- 
ter from Thaddeus Brzozowski. St. Petersburg, to Father Adam Britt, June 
20th, 1809. One from Ehl, Ehrenbreitstein, Prussia, to Fr. N. Steinbacher, 
(of whom the writer was a former student,) Aug. 10, 1837. Circular letter 
from Pope Pius VII., (Savona,) Aug. 35th, 1809, to Cardinal Caprara, Arch- 
bishop of Milan, about the state of religion. Encyclical letter issued at Dub- 
lin, 1810, III Kalends of March, by the General Assembly of Bishops of Ire- 
land, in reference to the state of the Church. 

July 31st, 1859, corner-stone of the Church at Bonaughtown, (Bonneau- 
ville,) Adams Co , Pa., was blessed by Fr. John Baptist Cattani, S. J. ; the 
sermon by Father Hitzelberger, S. J. 

Where private letters of the Fathers throw any light on Catholic history, 
or give any reference to Conewago, we have taken the liberty oi using them, 
from the great desire to do what we can for the Conewago history. If we 
have done well, it is reward enough, if not so well, we hope it may be par- 
doned us. Mach. XV. 39. 

Bishop John Timon. when deacon, was resting a while at St. Mary's set- 
tlement, Arkansas. One day he turned up missing. No one could give an 
account of him. Father Odin, Father Ball and others, became alarmed. It 
was in the days of bears and wolves. A grand search was instituted. To- 
wards evening the Rev. John Timon was discovered at a small cabin several 
miles distant, sleeves rolled up, axe in hand, and beads of sweat on his 
brow. It seems that he had heard of the poor and lonely old widow who 
had lived there, with no one to chop her winter's wood. Having stolen 
away, unawares, from his companions, he was finishing his first cord when 
the hunting party came upon him with horns and rifles. They did not ex- 
actly take up a subscription for the widow. Each one gave a turn till the 
woodpile disappeared. 

When Rev. Samuel Mulledy was at the point of death, he begged re-ad- 
mission to the Society of Jesus from Rev. A. M. Paresce, Provincial, which 
was granted. Though in the agony of death, he was so moved by the joy 
and happiness it gave him, that he sprang out of his bed and on bonded 
knees pronounced the Formula of the Society, in the presence of Father Jos- 
eph Loyzance, Rector of St. Francis Xavier College, New York. He died a 
most saintly death on the night of the 8th of Jan., 1866, assisted in his last 
moments by one of the Fathers of the Society. 

Father John Barrister, S. J., writes to a friend at Conewago, from Loyo- 
la, (Balto.) Oct. 31st, 1859, sending his respects to Fathers Dougherty and 
Manns, and,to Brothers Redmond and Donohue. He says Father Sopranis, 
the Roman Visitor, arrived, accompanied by the brother of Fr. Ciccaterri, S. 
J., acting &s his Secretary ; went straight to Georgetown. "■ Father Tom. 
Mulledy saw them, who reports that the old gentleman, notwithstanding his 
age. is in excellent health and spirits, and extremely glad to see his Ameri- 
can friends once more. His accounts from Italy are very gloomy. Our 
Fathers in the Pontifical States are in daily expectation of an outbreak, es- 
pecially in Rome ; they all hold themselves in readiness for another ex- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 187 

pulsion. Napoleou begins to quarrel with the Pope, because the latter will 
not come over to his views ; he intends to witiidraw his troops from Rome, 
which, of course, will be the signal for a revolution in central Italy, and 
then, Pio Nono, farewell." He says Father Dougherty was the patron and 
admirer of the nephew of the great Uncle. He says, "■ Father Enders was 
here some time ago ; the fracture of his collar bone has been cured," though 
the use of his left arui is not quite restored. " Father Deneckere went to 
see his sister m Philadelphia, not long ago, who, he writes, is declining fast 
with consumption." 

The bell on Christ Church, (Pi-otestant,) Gettysburg, Pa., has the follow- 
ing inscription in Latin, "■ Mary of the Conception, by thine Immaculate Con- 
ception, Virgin Mother of God, defend us from the malignant foe." There 
is a Portugese inscription, giving the date of its manufacture as 1788. It 
was a confiscatied convent bell from Portugal. One of the cJiristian ministers 
of the Lutheran College at Gettysburg, talks about its having been "■ super- 
stitiously baptized," and having " many a day rung out the matins or vespers 
for lazy monks or cloistered nuns." We are verj^ glad that the bell is not 
otherwise deformed. It is a grand and lasting testimonial to the Immaculate 
Conception. 

The organ in the Paradise Church was purchased through the efforts of 
Fr. J. B. Cattani, while Superior of Conewago, at a cost of ^500. He drew 
up the subscription papers, to which are attached the following names : Pius 
Fink, John Klunk, Mary Hoffman, Geo. and Michael Strubinger, Valentine 
Shulz, Francis J. Wilson, Joseph Weil, Mich. Hoffman, Daniel Miller. Sam. 
Hair, John Felty ; Samuel. Michael. Catharine, Eliza, Levi. Cornelius, and 
Noah Bievenour ; Frederick, Michael, Peter, Sarah. Rose and Mary Dellone ; 
Caleb, Levi, and Aloysius Brieghner ; Albert Storm ; Peter, Michael, Joseph, 
Sarah A,, and Caroline Noel; Francis Wise, Lewis Will, Anthony Shane, 
Cath. Strausbaugh, Klunk family, Jac. Sterner, Jacob Wise, Ed. L. Kuhn, 
Anne Little, Wm. Dahlhammer, Sebastian Wise, N. Long, Francis Mayer, 
'John Elder, Mich, and Sam. Alwine. Magdalene and Ann Burger Briechner, 
Eliz. Chambers. Jane Car, Mar. and Mary A. Chambers, N. Welker, Martin 
Gephard, Lewis Weaver, Andrew and Eliz. Kuhn, Geo. and Moses Moore, 
J. F. Koehler, Jos. J. Kuhn, Geo. A. Goy. 

Father Steinbacher contracted with Mr. Mouachesi, of Phila., for the 
painting of Conewago Church, at S700, in the presence of Father Vespre, S. 
J. The work was done from April 33d to June 13th, 1845. He was allowed 
iJlOO more "■ in order to have a quite excellent altar piece." This was the 
Ai-samption of the Blessed Virgin, now on the B. V. Altar. The following 
are some of the names appearing on the subscription papers for repairing 
Conewago Church in 1844-5, Father Nicholas Steinbacher, Superior : Igna- 
tius, Vincent and Catharine O 'Bold ; John Groft, Mary Strausbaugh, B.J. 
McManus, Teresia Swartz, Francis Little, Geo., Anne, Mary and Cath. 
Eline. Eliz. Adams, Barbara and Catharine Oaster, Eliz. Will, J. A. Eline, 
John and Thomas Little, J. W. Busbey, Anthonj' Strasbaugh, Edw. Nugent, 
Adam FoUer, Cath, Miller, Samuel Stormbach. Thomas McKinney, Anna 
Stormbach, Lilly & Reily, Leonard Shaffer, Patrick Harkins, Francis Bauer, 
T. Owings, John McKinney, Sr., S. J. Owings, John Burkee, John and Mat. 
Ginter, Henry Horat, Eliz. Egan, Geo. Ginter, John, Peter and Cath. Krich- 



188 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

ton, J. S. Adams, Conrad Fink, the Klunks, the Adamses, Swartzes, Leonards, 
Kuhns, John Oaster, Joseph Coopsor, Josephine Kelly, Matilda McClain, 
Charles L. and John L. Gubernator. the Wills, Conrads, Littles, Jacob Del- 
lone, Busbeys, the Smiths, Renauts, Hildts, Wises, Althoffs, Peter Neider- 
er, John Marshall, Wm. Detrick, Joseph Sneeringer, and others. This seems 
to be the McSherrystown, Hanover and Brushtown list, and is the only one 
found among the old papers. 

Thos. A. Fitzgerald writes to Father Reiter at Conewago, from Fairfield, 
Adams Co., Pa., Aug. 31st. 1858 : says congregation is very anxious that one 
of the Conewago Fathers attend their church, and they will make every ef- 
fort to pay off the debt and make up something for the pastor ; speaks very 
kindly of Father Villiger, who attended ihem previously ; gives names of 
families of the congregation : Jesse P. Topper, Adam Sanders. Samuel Cole, 
Casper Meyers, Gregory Topper, B. Kebel. James, Anthony and Peter San- 
ders, Peter Dick, Michael Lauver, Joseph and James Bowling. Mrs. Butt, 
Alex. Weaver, Michael Cole, Michael Finnegan, Mrs. Peters, Daniel Beiseck- 
er, with whom priest stayed ; Mrs. Butler, Zacharias, Andrew, Charles and 
widow of John Sanders, Andrew, Barney and Samuel Bigham, Mrs. Beiseck- 
er, Mrs. Finn if rock. 

P. J. Verhaegen, S. J., writes to Fr. N. Steinbacher at Conewago, under 
date of Phila., May 31st, 1845 : asks for more information about the ivar-like 
spirit manifesting itself at Paradise, if not under inviolable secrecy ; says he 
entertained the Chief of the Chippeway Nation at the College, Georgetown, 
last Friday, and had an hour's conversation with him in French ; had a let- 
ter from Rev. Fr. Verreyde, Jesuit Superior of the Indian Missions : Chief 
told him that the Indians " got completely bewildered by the contradictory 
doctrine preached to them by the Protestant ministers, and that they want- 
ed Catholic Blackgowns to instruct them." 

Henry Eckeurode, of Mountpleasant Twp., Adams Co., Pa., bequeathed 
to Father Enders the " principal of his property," to be equally divided be- 
tween the Conewago and the Paradise Churches. 

Will of Maximilian Rantzau, S. J., made Jan. 15th, 1824, at St. Inigoe's 
Manor, in favor of Rev. J. W. Beschter, Rector of St. John's, Baltimore: 
Witness : Joseph Carbery, Enoch Combs. Father R. had a sistei in Europe, 
to whom Fr. Beschter wrote through Mr. Springger. of New^ York, that she 
could keep what property '•'• is to come yet," or send it on, at her option. 
Father Rantzau died at Frederick, Aug. 7th, 1827, at 8 o'clock A. M.. after 
having preached the Sunday before the panegyric of St. Ignatius ; he was at- 
tacked by palsy or appoplexy. He was born '' in Germany, at Alberstre, 
near Munster, in Westphalia," Dec. 23d, 1769. 

There is a notice of the death in Paradise Twp., York Co., Pa., of Mrs. 
Catharine Wise, aged 80 years, 11 months and 4 days ; and tw3 days after, 
her husband, Sebastian Wise, died, aged 85 years. 4 months. Several verses 
to their memory are added. From the artistic pen flourishes following, we 
are sure it is in the hand writing of Rev. Ferdinand Helias, S. J., but no 
name nor year appear. 

Novitiate, Frederick, Aug, 15th, 1862, Patrick H. Lower, S. S. J., in the 
name of the Scholastics who spent their vacation at Conewago, thanks the 
Superior for the *•' kindness, generosity and more than fatherly care over us 
during three happy weeks we spent at Conewago." They returned to Fred- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 189 

erick in hacks ; stopping at Taneytown for dinner, where they found that 
Father O'Neill was not at home. They send respects toFrs. Dougherty, Manns 
and Deneckere, and Bros. Redmond, Donohue. and Doyle. James A. Ward, 
S. J., adds : "' They were full of their visit and continually mention in their 
conversations some of the many kindnesses they received. I was glad to 
perceive how much they appreciated the good order of your house and the 
piety of your devoted congregation. I trust that it will remain ever a bright 
spot in their memories, and be a new reason for them to bless the good God 
who called them to His service." 

There is a letter from Rev. J. Barrister, S. J., St. Mary's, Alexandria, 
Julj"^ 17th, 1S63, to one of the Conewago Fathers, vvhich for the local infor- 
mation it contains we publish nearly entire. It is a long time since the great 
event he speaks of, and many changes have taken place. Fath. B. was at 
Conewago a short time, where he is remembered. The letter is in a pleas- 
ant vein of humor, and shows the genial disposition of the Father. From 
this distance we can look back upon the war without fear or favor. There is 
but one sentiment now. North or South. Except at Gettysburg, the North 
had little experience of the ravages of war. in comparison with the South, 
which is only now rightly beginning to recover from its effects. Conewago 
was not molested. There was a rumor about the time of the battle that troops 
were coming to destroy the church. Preparations were made, home compa- 
nies organized, and whatever could be done for its defense and protection, 
but no hostile soldiers came. The people fed the passing troops of whichever 
side, and after the battle at Gettysburg, hastened to the field with provisions 
and clothing for needy friend or foe. The Southern soldiers behaved well 
and fought bravely. Those were days of terrible fear and danger. Remem- 
bering now at what great peril was the safety of our country, we shudder 
to think how much indifference existed in the North, and are surprised at 
the gieat sacrifices made m tlie South, where men, women and children 
threw all they had into the cause. The bitterest remembrances North or 
South are not from any acts of the true soldier, but from the contempti- 
ble treachery of traitors at home, who perhaps in times of peace fed from the 
table of those whose lives and property they placed at stake when the enemy 
came. In their zeal for the cause, we might give extremes by Catholics 
North and South. In one of the Southern chui'ches, when the priest came on 
the altar to say Mass one morning, he was surprised to see a small Union 
flag at one of the front pews, where sat a strong and aged Union man. The 
priest refused to ascend the altar until the flag had been removed. Doubt- 
less he would have done the same had it been a Confederate emblem. In 
the South the women were the hardest to reconstruct. To this day we know 
an intelligent lady, and a good friend and Catholic, who has left the word 
Federal (States) erased and Confederate in its place, in the prayers for the 
people and the government, in her prayer book. In the North it is related 
of several priests, who refused to give the Sacraments to those vrho took up 
arms against the Union. 

To return to Father Barrister's letter : ''I suppose you have had quite 
exciting times in Conewago on the occasion of Lee's visit. Did any of his 
pious followers come up tiie hill to worship in your beautiful chapel V If soi 
woe to the two '' Bills," they must long have swum the Potomac with other 
horseflesh, as prisoners of war, never to be paroled. Lee's recrossing over 



190 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

iato Virginia is now a fixed fact ; it took the world by surprise, much more 
than his landing in Maryland and penetrating into Pa. This is already the sec- 
ond attempt and failure to make conquests for the slave power. I trust it 
will be the last. Providence, it would seem, does not wish that slavery 
should be saddled again on any free State in which it has been abolished. 
"■**** Many troops must have passed through Adams County during 
the past two weeks. Are their tracks anywhere visible, except on your 
miry roads V * * * * Poor Brother Redmond and his chickens I To 
what a fright they must have been put when the Rebels came to take the 
eggs, and then the Federals came, who. because they were weak and faint 
with marching, were sure to take the whole roost for broil and soup. The rea- 
son I speak of Bro. R. 's henroost, in connection with such grave events, is 
because to-day is a Friday and Bro. Cassiday gives us eggs, which invariably 
makes me think of Conewago eggs." [Priests from the cities always enjoy- 
ed the fresh country produce at Conewago.] '' Father Kroes has bee'n away 
from here most of the time ; his health is, liowever, no better. * * * * 
About Alexandria everything bears the impress of the war. Most of the 
churches and public buildings are still used for hospital purposes, as also 
the homes of rich Secessionists who left for the Soutii. All the farms for 
16 or 20 miles are lying waste ; as all the fences are gone, the poor people of 
the town and country, who formerly perhaps could hardly feed a goat, now 
can kewp as many cows in summer as they can pay for. and find plenty of 
pasture on the farms of the rich Virginians who have skedaddled to Dixie. 
•;. i<r « * Many destroyed and broke up their furniture, to prevent it 
from falling into the hands of their supposed persecutors ; others sold it to 
the Jews for a trifle to raise a few dollars for traveling expenses. * * * * 
When they returned to their homes, they had perhaps not a straw mattress 
to lie on. How the Almighty now punishes American pride by the very 
thing which once made these people so boastful and haughty, I mean their 
'Glorious Union and Heavenborn Constitution.'' O tempora. O mores! 
There was a time when the haughty Virginian looked down upon the poor 
Irishman or the humble mechanic from his arched window with an air of 
contempt. Now an Irish soldier or a Massachusetts cobbler with a shoulder 
strap, sits on his lofty porch of Corinthian columns, smoking his pipe or 
chewing his tobacco. How capriciously the wheel of fortune can turn ups 
and downs in a little time. Please remember me to Aunt Sally, Mrs. Reily, 
the Lillys and Jenkinses, and give my special love to Fathers Manns and 
Doughert}', and him who drew his first breath either on the top or at the 
bottom of the classic hills whereon the Eternal City rests her foundations. 
* * * * j^Qj. ^Q I forget your worthy cook, Br. Redmond, and Brother 
Donohue. Grand Almoner and Privy Counsellor to the Patriarch of Gettys- 
burg and the Mountains." 

A clipping irom the Herald, Hanover, dated Blue Spring Chapel, June 
29th, 1835, gives an account of a tornado that passed over the Conewago 
Valley June 27tli of that year. The houses and barns of Mark Little, Joseph 
Sneeringer, Jacob Little. Peter Kraft, Samuel Forsyth, Edw. Reily, Joseph 
Schilling, were more or less injured and destroyed. Fences, trees and small 
buildings were scattered and blown down by the storm. In the same paper, 
under date of Jan. 26, 1837, is an account of an unusual meteoric display in 
the Valley: under date of Ap. 19, 1837. there is a notice of the burning of the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 191 

large property of Samuel Lilly, near the Conewago Church, now occupied 
by John L. Jenkins. 

Births from the Conewago Registers.— 1793, Feb. 19, Salome, daugh- 
ter of J. and Cath. Shuiy ; sponsors. Maria Fink and "Rev. P. Erntzen." 

1794, Jan. 25, Jos. A., son of Wm. and Schlusser, sponsor, F. X. Bros- 

ius. 1794. Feb. 8. John Timon, son of Henry and Cath.; John *" Cunes " and 
Christina Wolf. 1794, born Feb. 12. bap. on 19th, John, son of Jacob and 
Helen Timon ; spons., John '• Coon " and Christina Wolf. This was Bish- 
op Timon. There were a number of JohuKuhns, and we have not been able 
to learn who was his god-father, or god-mother, further than the names. 
Some think Christina Wolf was a servant girl on the church farm. The 
Wolfs are and were Protestants. There is some connection between these 
two last baptism entries, as will be seen. 1796, May 2, Wm. Shorb, son of 
Jacob and Christina ; spons., Stanislaus Cerfoumont, S. J , and Margaret 
Sneeringer. 1796, Oct. 5, James, son of John and Cath. Shorb ; Spons., S. 
Cerfoumont and Maria Coopser. 1796, Nov. 25, bap. Jan., 1797, Anna Cath. 
daughter of Peter and Cath. Lambing; spons., Robert and Mar. Owings. 
This was a relative of Rev. A. A. Lambing's father. 1798, Nov. 25, Mary, 
daughter of Jacob and Helen " Timmons " ; spons. F. X. Brosius and Maria 
Kuhn. This must have been a sister of Bishop Timon. The name was spell- 
ed '• Timmons," and tlie two were originally of one family. We have fre- 
quently heard it said that the first Timmonses of Conewago were related to 
the Timons. 1795, May 25, John Phil., son of Phil, and Ger. Weber ; spons. 
J. Schuraacker : signature, " R. Fran. Xaverius Brosius." 1800. Oct. 24th, 
bap. Nov. 3d, Stanislaus Xav., son of John and Mary Eckenrode ; spons. F. 
X. Brosius and Mar. Marshall. 1796, April 25, signature of •'' R. Jacobus Pel- 
lentz." 1800. Oct. 22d, Sarah, daughter of Anna (Coopser) and Samuel Lilly ; 
spons. Henry Lilly annd Sarah Owiugs. This is the present aged Miss Sally 
Lilly, well known at Conewago, and also in the Society for her kind hospi- 
tality to visiting priests. 1803, April 28, Sarah Cath., daughter of John and 
Maria Fink ; spons. F. X. Brosius and Cath. Martin. Father Brosius was the 
companion of Father Gallitziu. 

Deaths.— 1802, March 6th. Thomas Dorditch, alias Bush, nearly 70 years 
old, natus natione Uugarus. He may have been an exile or a refugee. 1800, 
Dec. 3d,Nicholaus Delow, aged 84. born in France. His posterity remains to the 
fourth and fifth generation. 1799. Oct. 15th. James Small, aged 58. 1806, 
Francis, an aged colored man. 1790, March 25. Paul , a widower, ag- 
ed 77, who served as sacristan. 1798. May 22d, Jasper Michel Felder, "Sac- 
ristanus noster," aged 58, "natus prope Bruschsal in Germania. Oremus." 
1798, July 20th. Joseph Herman, a good man, humble and patient, confined 
to his bed for five years, aged nearly 70. There are a number of old tomb- 
stones in the -graveyard, but many of the oldest are so worn by time as not 
to be discipherable, while others are lost. When the new part of the church 
was built, many of the old tombstones were stood outside along the church, 
and few remain after half a century. We append a few : Mary Ann Weis- 
en (Wise), " gebohrne Hitzelbergerin," born Jan. 4th, 1775. died 1781. An- 
na Mar. Kleinin (Little), born Feb. 1st. 1723, died April 30, 1796. Thomas 
Adams, b. July 15. 1735, d. Dec. 5. 1776. Mary Regina Breighner. b. Aug. 
26, 1785, d. Sept. 13, 1787. John Faller, b. Nov. 21.1717, d. Dec. 4, 1784. 



192 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

John Storm, b. Jan. 21, 1725, d. Jan. 1, 1805. Anna Margaret, wife of Rob- 
ert Owings, died April 12, 1802. John Kubu died in 1826, aged 73, and his 
wife, Theresa, in 1821. This may have been the god-father of Bishop Timon. 
Anna Cath. Ehrvveinin, b. ap. 30, 1725, d. March 15, 1799. Abolonia Ehr- 
man, born in 1763, died in 1801. Julianna Sneeringer, b. Aug. 1st. 1742, d. 
Oct. 9, 1813. Catharine Becker, b. Ap. 6. 1746, d. July 7, 1790. Christian 

Dabber, b. Dec. , 1715, d. July 13, 1789. Anna Mar. Eokenrode (" Ecken- 

1-oden"), b. Aug. 1st, 1709. d. bee. 6, 1790. Samuel Lilly, born in 1699, 
when William III was on tlie throne of England ; died June 8, 1758. 

Besides other Valuable information of Conewago already obtained, we 
are indebted to Mrs. Jane Jenkins tor the following interesting notes of its 
history : 

Father Boarman never lived atConeuago, but visited it once a month 
frorn Maryland. Father Diviu died at York or Carlisle about 1830 : was no 
Jesuit. [The priest who labored at York from 1822 to 1838, was Rev. Pat- 
rick J. Dwen or Dween. From the fact that the name on the Conewago 
records as early as 1820, is always spelled "■ Divin," we are of the opinion 
that they are not the same, but different priests. If the name " Divin " 
does not appear in the records of the Society of Jesus, then they are one and 
the same.] Father Wm. Marshall was at Conewago in 1817 ; he went to sea, 
died on board and was buried in the ocean. When the church was enlarged 
by Father Enders. there was a desire to build instead a new church in Han- 
over. Lilly's mill was built bj' Henry Lilly, about 75 years ago. He was 
the father of Revs. Thos. and Samuel Lilly, S. J. ; the former labored for 
many years in the lower counties of Maryland ; died in Fhila. about 1863, 
aged 53 : Samuel only lived a year after ordination ; was Vice President 
Loyola College, Balto., when he died, aged 35 ; he was a holy man and gift- 
ed, writing fluently prose or verse. Father Lekeu came about 1820 ; he was 
greatly beloved for his sweetness and charity, but was no financier, and after 
his removal the management of the property' was put into the hands of lay- 
men ; he came of a wealthy and aristocratic family, who sent him many val- 
uable things — vestments embroidered on velvet, altar service inlaid with 
precious metals and stones ; from Conewago he was sent to Whitemarsln 
where he became unhapjiy on account of the influence of the climate on his 
health, and the great change in his habits, and he returned home to die 
among his friends. 

There were two Fathers Mulledy. Thomas and Samuel. Father Tom was 
Provincial and freed all the slaves in the communities of the Jesuits ; he was 
a Virginian, rather rough and ready, but a man of gr^at character and pow- 
erfully built. Father De Barth was no Jesuit, but lived among them many 
years. Father Tuffer was pastor after Father Stein bacher, and was succeed- 
ed by Father Enders. [In the diary of Father Steinbacher and on the books, 
he says he " hands over " the money and affairs to Father Gibbons.] Fath- 
er Cattani was a Bavarian ; came to America during the troubles in Europe 
in '48 •. he was not always a Jesuit, only after his mother's death, whom he 
cared for while a secular ; he was all zeal and holiness and his charity for 
the poor was boundless. Fj^ther Dom Fieri or Domperi, an Italian, succeed- 
ed Father Cattani at his death Aug. 30. 1865, he had a great dread of horses 
and his heart longed for the gentle donkey of his native land ; he 
was removed to Boston, where he still has charge of an Italian congrega- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 193 

tioD, wlio idolize him. Father B. Villiger succeeded him : he was Provin- 
cial at one time, and his management in spiritual and temporal matters was 
very successful ; he was a fluent speaker and greatly beloved. He was re- 
moved to the Gesu, Phila. ; he was a Swiss, ordained in this country, and 
from his wonderful mastery of the English language no one would imagine 
him a foreigner. Father Cotting was, I believe, a Swiss, and was in the 
Novitiate with Fathers Enders and Cattani, being about their age. Father 
Bellwalder succeeded Fr. Villiger ; he was a German and did not suit for a 
large English congregation ; he is now at Buffalo, in a German College. 
Father Charlin was pastor for a few months ; he was a Frenchman, and a 
saintly man ; removed to Boston where he still remains. Father Di Maria 
was at Conewago for hi? health, in 1870, about a year ; he went to Philadel- 
phia and died at St. Joseph's hospital. Father Jamison went to Troy, N. Y., 
from here, and afterwards to Boston where he still remains. Father Casey 
left Conewago for Frederick to make his tertianship : was at Washington 
after that. Father Quinn went from here to Europe to make his tertianship ; 
his relatives live there ; he returned in 1884 and is now at Troy. Father 
Brocard was the first Provincial I remember; he was a Belgian ; Fathers 
Stonestreet and Villiger followed ; Father Paresce, an Italian, was 
the next ; he was a holy man and well liked. Father Keller, of the Western 
Province, was Provincial two terms ; so was Father Brady, who was a great 
favorite, now President of Worcester College. Father Fulton the present 
Provincial, is a Virginian, an able man, and seems to be succeeding ad- 
mirably. 

Father Finnegan was an Irishman but became a Jesuit in the U. S, He 
labored at St. Inigoes, but his mind giving away he was no longer allowed 
to perform his priestly offices. He remained there as a pensioner until the 
house was burned in 1870, when he was sent to Conewago wheie he still re- 
mains. He had great talents and was a fine scholar and preacher. He is 
now in his 85th year, and is blind. There was a Fr. Timothy Kelley here 
about Fr. Steinbacher's time ; he was an Irishman : also Brother Quinlan, 
who taught a small school. Brother Gahan, an old Irishman was cook for 
years, also Bro. Redmond, an excellent scholar : ihere was a Bro. Doyle, a 
painter, about 1858 or "60, who gave the interior of the church some touches. 
Bro. Maurice Cavanaugh was also one of the cooks ; he was original and 
warm-hearted, and thought the Germans had not a single virtue. The great- 
er number of Brothers who were here might be called '' institutions " ; they 
all remained so long. The present Brothers are. Donovan, McGonigle 
and Hamilton, all worthy representatives of their native land. 

The Sisters of Charity were the first who had a school at McSherrys- 
town. The Ladies of the Sacred Heart came about 1840 ; Madam Gallitzin, 
niece of the great Father, was the General of the order. They imagined the 
climate was unhealthy and left ; the house remained vacant for about four 
years, when sofne members of the order returned. Their school was suc- 
cessful until Madam Verhulst, a Belgian, was sent as Superior, who did not 
believe in American customs, especially of having fires in winter. The 
house was again vacant, when in 1854, the Sisters of St. Joseph took posses- 
sion and have been very successful. Many have been received into the 
Order from among the Catholics of the Valley. Two daughters of Samuel 
Sneeringer entered about 1858 ; Matilda, a daughter of Bernard Noel, Sister 



194 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Lucy ; Mary Fleshman, Sister Berchman ; Miss Creighton, of McSherrys- 
town, entered about fifteen years ago, Sister Stanislaus, teacher of drawing 
and painting ; a lady of remarkable talents. Samuel Sneeringer has two 
daughters at Chestnut Hill, Sister St. Ephrem and Sister Raphael, both 
teachers of music. Miss Poist, of McSherrystown, is a useful member at 
Lebanon. Miss Busby, daughter of J. Busby, is in religion Sister St. John ; 
she has two Sisters at Chestnut Hill. Salome Noel, sister of the Jesuits 
Fabian and Michael, is a member of St. Joseph's, also Anna Brady. Joseph 
Sneeringer had a daughter, Kate, who joined the Sacred Heart, and died 
many years ago. Madames Gubernator. Sullivan and Bumgardner, were 
all from these parts, also Madam Donaho, an orphan, who was raised by the 
Lilly family. Madam Bowles was a daughter of Mrs Sullivan, a poor 
widow, whose children were raised by strangers ; there was a Jesuit 
among them, now in California, a most talented man now over sixtj". Mad- 
am Bowles was a widow, very talented, and the nuns educated her; she 
was afterwards Superior at Eden Hall until her death. Sister Willet, 
daughter of George W.. is a religious of the Sacred Heart. Sister Tuttle. an 
orphan raised by Miss Sally Lilly, belongs to the S. H.; she entered at Eden 
Hall, Norrisdale, in 1855, where ehe still resides, aged about 50. Ann 
Smith, daughter of the late Joseph Smith, near Irishtown, is at Chestnut 
Hill as Sr. Bridget, aged about fifty, twenty-five in religion. Miss Noel, of 
Paradise, entered many years ago ; Madie Noel, of New Oxford, and Miss 
Koehler, of Abbottstown, have been lately received at St. Joseph's. Two 
sisters of David C. Smith died in that Order, Helen and Verlinda. Matthias 
Martin, dec'd. of Irishtown, had a daughter who entered at McSherrystown 
about 12 years ago, Sister Agnes ; she died s^bout two years ago, aged 34. 
He had two daughters Sisters of Charity ; one died young, Caroline ; the 
other, Agnes, is still living, and has been a member for thirty years. Two 
of the Dellones, and Miss Shorb, of Littlestown, became Sisters of Charity 
years ago ; the latter, Sr. Ann Alexis, was widely known as one of the 
most useful and zealous members of her order ; she died a few years ago in 
St Louis, at an advanced age, beloved by all who knew her. Sister M. Clare, 
of Frederick, is a sister of the Fathers Lilly ; she joined the Visitation Order 
at the age of eighteen, and is now fifty-four. Her life has been spent in 
teaching the higher branches, and she is a beautiful penswoman, and 
always teaches one of the first classes in writing. There is one, though of 
the colored race, must not be forgotten, she was taken from the county alms- 
house by Mrs. Valinda Jenkins, who raised her with a mother's care ; Susan 
Jones was her name ; she showed remarkable piety in her childhood and 
youth, and no weather ever kept her from Mass or Holy Communion. At 
length her pious wishes were crowned with success and she became an Oblate 
Sister at Baltimore, where she lived a most holy life and died Jan. 17th, 1868, 
the very day on which her good and beloved Mistress breathed her last. 
May they both rest in peace. Mr. Joseph Clunk, of McSherrystown, has 
two daughters of St. Joseph, — Mary entered about 1870, Sister Antoinette ; 
Alphonse entered about 1880. Annie Kuhn, daughter of Edw. J., and grand- 
daughter of the late Judge Kuhn, is a Sister of Charity at St. Louis. She 
entered at McSherrystown in 1877, at the age of sixteen. Rosa, daughter 
of J. E. Smith, entered at McSherrystown several years ago ; she has an aunt 
there, — Sister De Sales. Annie McSherry, of White Hall, became a Sis- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 195 

ter at Chestnut Hill. There may be others, whose names have escaped 
memory, or who joined the orders years ago. 

Wm. Gubernator, a German, was the first organise at Conewago. He 
was self-taught. His son, John L., succeeded and held the office many 
yeai's, through Father Lekeu's time. He was a fine musician, and had a 
deep, sonorus voice. Miss Baumgardner, who taught school, had charge a 
while ; she joined the S. H. about 1849. Pi'of. Bolster and family acted in 
that capacity for a short time, and also one of the elder Smiths. John Brady 
succeeded, having taken lessons in Baltimore ; he served faithfully for 
thirty-two years. D. C. Smith has charge at present ; he is also a good mu- 
sician and a fine singer. 

Rev. Patrick Duddy was at Conewago for two years, about 1865, rather 
as an invalid though he did considerable duty. He was born in Ireland 
about 1820, and was for a long time a prefect and teacher at Georgetown 
College. He has been stationed at St. Joseph's, Phila., since, and is still in 
delicate health. Father McNierny was there about the same time ; he was 
born in Washington about 1824 ; ordained about 1862 ; he afterwards left the 
Society, but died au edifying death about 1870. Fathers Lynch and Gibbons 
were at Conewago about the time of Fathers Steinbacher and Tuffer, 1844 to 
1846. Father Gibbons died young, at White Marsh ; he was born about 1820. 
Father Lynch died recently ; he was born in Ireland about 1814. Father 
Dom Fieri, I think was born in Trent and educated in Rome ; and place the 
date of his birth at about 1820. Father Charlin, v* ho succeeded him for two 
months at Conewago, was a Frenchman, born about 1814 or '16. Father 
Cattani was a Bavarian, but his father was an Italian. Fathers Enders, 
Cattani and George Villiger were educated together at the same College ; 
and if Father Enders had been buried at Conewago where he desired to be, 
and which had such great claims as a fit resting place for him. all three 
would have lived together in death as they did in life, though I am sure 
their souls are happy in Heaven. As the dates are given only from memory, 
they may not be exactly correct. 

Fathers Thomas and Samuel Lilly were born in the red brick house 
along Lilly's dam, standing yet. They were sons of Henry Lilly, who was 
a son of John, and he a son of Samuel, who came from Bristol about 1730. 
He was a fuller in England ; the Lillys carried on a woolen mill for many 
years along the Conewago. Several of them represented York County in 
the General Assembly before 1800. 

In Conclusion.— There are yet many things connected with the 
growth of the Catholic Church, that we should like to notice, but more time 
and labor have already been given than can well be spared. The Councils 
form an interesting part of the history of the Church in America, and so her 
various institutions of religion and learning, but we are compelled to forego 
further mention. The history of Conewago dates back to the time when 
there were only a few priests and a few Catholic churches in America ; now 
there are thousands, and millions of the faithful. One hundred years ago 
we found no colleges ; now the great project of founding a Catholic Univer- 
sity has taken definite shape and Washington has been selected as its site. 
During the Council in Baltimore, in Nov., 1884, a pious and wealthy Cath- 
olic lady presented several hundred thousand dollars for the purpose, and 



196 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

the Bishops and priests are makina: every effort t J has en on the gieat desire 
of the Church in America. Will this country ever have a Catholic daily 
paper V The Catholic press is stronger and more prosperous than ever before. 
Rome has showered favors on the Church in our country, by bestovping bless- 
ings on her, and honors and titles on her most worthy clergy. Leo XIII. is a 
watchful Vicar of Christ, and the needs of the Church and the care of the 
faithful find in him a noble guardian,— a worthy successor of the saintly 
Pontiff, Pius IX., who truly bore many crosses from Heaven that the light 
might come after him, and some day they will be numbered among the 
saints by the church militant. The American Church is now without a Car- 
dinal, but Catholics are looking hopefully and expectantly towards Rome, 
from New York, from Baltimore and from the West. They who next bear 
this high rank will be eminently deserving, and there is none more so than 
the Primate of the Church in America who presided at the late Council, 
Archbishop Gibbons of Baltimore. As yet the Church in the East commands 
attention by reason of age, strength and wealth ; but already the church in 
the West is making itself heard and felt, and the day will come when the 
East will pay tribute to the West in ecclesiastical affairs as well as iu mat- 
ters of politics, trade and finance. Catholics have everywhere their schools, 
and the question now agitated, of greatest interest to them, is their being 
compelled to support the public schools where they send no children. This 
can only be accomplished by supporting men and measures, and not blindly 
following any party as has been too much the case heretofore. The Catholic 
Church as an institution in this country has succeeded so prudently and 
wisely thus far, that it occupies a most desirable vantage ground in Ameri- 
can history, past and present, and has a most hopeful future. Never has it 
been found wanting in true religion, education, science and patriotism. 
While skepticism and infidelity are now proclaiming themselves boldly in 
the public places, and millions are following the worldliness and tendency 
of the age to unrestraint in mind and morals, threatening ultimate chaos to 
all profession of faith in revealed truth and the teaching of ages, the Cath- 
olic Church stands firm as the Rock on which she is built. 

Many are led away, alas I by the false glamor of a progress as deceptive 
as it is base and hollow. This age " lives too fast," without the fear of God 
before it or a thought of what is to come hereafter. In many things the 
Church is led away by the worldliness of the age. and is bound to share 
eventually in its results. At all times and under all circumstances, God 
has raised up some one for its safety and protection, and the gates of hell 
shall never prevail against the Church that He has promised to be with for- 
ever. Never was there greater necessity for the watchfulness of the Cath- 
olic Church than now. May she not be found sleeping when the bridegroom 
Cometh ! 

The Church has every reason to rejoice, while at the same time there 
are causes of regret in the spiritual and natural order of things. Even now 
she is mourning for the loss of her highest prelate and first Cardinal, John 
McCloskey. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 20th, 1810. and was 
baptized by Father A. Kohlman, S. J., the first pastor of Old St. Peter's, in 
New York. Cardinal McCloskey was educated at Mt. St. Mary's, and or- 
dained by Father Dubois Jan. 22d, 1834; consecrated Bishop March lOth, 
1844 ; succeeded Archbishop Hughes in 1864, and created a Cardinal Priest 



I 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY 



19' 



in 1875. The history of his life is the 
history of the Catholic Church in 
New York. He was loved, honored 
and respected by all. When created 
a Cardinal, it surprised the Ameri- 
can world and uave rise to much 
speculation as to the intentions of 
the Catholic Chui'ch, but when he 
died not a voice was raised except to 
praise and bless him. His life was 
full of great works and good deeds, 
that will live after him to the glory 
of God. He died on Saturday, Oct. 
10th, 1885, at 12-50 A. M. He was 
buried beneath the altar of the mag- 
nificent Cathedral in New York, Oct. 
15th. Thousands attended the fu- 
neral ceremonies, and many priests 
and Bishops were present. Arch- 
bishop Corrigan celebrated Pontifi- 
cal Mass. Archbishop Gibbons 
preached the sermon. 

The last moments of the late Car- 
dinal were happy and i)eaceful. It 
was midnight Friday night when the 
dying Cardinal opened his eyes, and 
a smile came upon his white lips. 
The strong, saintly spirit seemed to 
shine for a moment in the thin feat- 
ures, and then the eyes closed again. 
Slower and slower the white raiment 
of the couch rose and fell. One 
wasted hand held a silver crucifix 
and the otiier pressed it to his bosom. 
There was deep peace upon the still 
face, and the snowy locks were 
brushed back upon the pillow. — 
Worn with watching and nni'sing, 
Dr. Keyes satnearhis patient and 
looked into the venerable counte- 
nance with great tenderness. — 
Archbishop Corrigan stood at the 
foot of the bed, robed in black cas- 
sock with purple sash. His head 
was bowed and his lips moved. 
Mgr. Farley gazed upon the dying 
man with moistened eyes, and the 
Rev. Dr. McDonnell, tall, clear- 
eyed and sorrowful, stood beside 
Mgr. Preston. Soon the doctor 




OLD ST. PETERS. 

We close thi, sketcii with an engraving 
from an oU print of the first Catholic 
church iu New York city. It was here the 
cardinal was baptized, aad he was the last 
living priest to remember the old building. 
it was complete! on Nov. 4, 1775, and will 
shortly celebrate its 100th anniversary. On 
its site stands the present St. P ter's, in the 
rear of the Astor house. Thousands upon 
thousands of emigrants landing on our 
shores have sought out this church to return 
thanks to Providence for their safe passage 



198 CONE W AGO— A COLLECTION OF 

raised his hand and whispered that it woukl all be over. Then the Cardi- 
nal's nieces entered the room. They were clad in black. As the ladies ap- 
proached the deathbed several pale nuns stole softly in at the door, and 
four pi iests from the Vicar General's house came in after them. All the 
watchers knelt. The weary eyes opened for the last time. At the feet of 
the dying man was a small table, whereon, between two burning tapers up- 
held by golden angels, was a glittering crucifix, and in the center of it two 
pieces of the true cross of Christ. At the left was another bright taper, and 
beside it lay the scarlet cap of the Cardinal. From the vvalls pictures of St. 
John, the Cardinal's patron saint, and of the Virgin Mary looked down in the 
dim light. At the side of the bed was Father Dubresse murmuring prayers 
for the dying. The priest's eyes dwelt lovingly upon those of his superior 
when they opened. There was a soft sound of crying as the ladies ap- 
proached the death couch. Again the strong soul and fine intellect dwelt in 
the face, and again the eyes closed. The light sparkled on the little silver 
crucifix, and shone in the well-worn Bishop's ring upon the white hand. 
Still Father Dubresse prayed for the gentle spiritual shepherd. The low 
trembling voice vibrated all through the room. Then the light seemed to 
die upon the white walls as the Cardinal met his last soriow. The dying 
face writhed with pain, the weak hand clasped the crucifix still closer, and 
the sobbing of the ladies was heard as they knelt. Now the white raiment of 
the couch hardly moved at all. The loving priest had ceased his prayers. 
A strong sigh broke from the lips of the dying man, and then there came 
into his face the smile of one who has reached home after a day of labor. 
No one said it. The doctor did not move from his place. The broken 
hearted women and the meek-eyed priests still knelt. But there came into 
the room a hush, and the watchers knew that the Cardinal's throne was 
vacant 



Corrections AND Additions. 

In the hurry and confusion of a printing office, wherein most of the 
labor on this book was done, many typographical errors have crept in. and 
on the same account its grammatical construction is often faulty and com- 
monplace, much in the line of newspaper work. The facts and dates have 
received more particular attention, and are as nearly correct as possible un- 
der the circumstances interposed by time and life's fitful tide. The really 
intelligent reader will understand »11 this and more. For the rest we care 
not. The mite we have to offer will never be noticed by the great buil- 
ders of the Church's history. If it affords an humble soul anj' little satis- 
faction, our greatest expectations are more than realized ; and from such, a 
fervent prayer in our behalf will be a greater reward than is deserved. 

The encouragement and assistance given us by many good priests and 
pious persons, will ever be kindly remembered. To Father Thomas C. Mid- 
dleton, O. S. A., of Villanova, we are especially indebted ; also to Father 
John A. Morgan, S. J., of Woodstock, now of St. Joseph's, Philadelphia ; 
and to Mai'tin I. J. Griffin, Esq., the Catholic historian of Old St. Joseph's. 
May their labors in the great work before the Church in America be suc- 
cessful ; and their reward, promised to every faithful servant by the good 
Master of us all. full beyond measure. Our obligations are gratefully ac- 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 199 

knowledged to the Catholic Pnblicatioii Society, of New York, Laurence 
Kehoe, Esq., Manager ; and to the Catholic Mirror Publishing Co., of Balti- 
more, for courtesies extended. 

Such corrections and additions are here made as seem most necessary, 
leaving the rest to the reader's intelligent judgment and kind forbearance. 

Page 41. — The Franciscan Missionaries sent to Maryland were. Father 
Massey, 1672 ; Polycarp Whicksted, 1674 ; Basil Hobart, 1675 ; Henry Fran- 
cisco, 1675 ; Edwaid Golding, Henr}^ Carew, Superior of the Missions, 1677., 
Oliver^s Collections, p. 541. 

Page 43. — " Josiah Creighton " is a tracUtioiial name. Father Greaton's 
name was Josepli, and Old St. Joseph's, Phila., was built by him and named 
after him. 

Page 45. — Some claim Fr. Henry Neale died at St. Inigoes. Conewago 
was ahvays subject to the Maryland Missions to which it belonged. 

Page 47. — Reference to Gov. Gordon, who died in Phila., in 1736: Mr. 
Griffin thinks Gov. Morris is meant. ( See Pa. Archives and i?»pp's History 
of Lancaster Co.) Fr. Wapeler, also spelt Wappelar, was in America eight 
years, and the date of hi& purchase in Lancaster may have been earlier than 
1740. 

Page 50. — Two last lines and first two lines of first paragraph refer to 
each other. 

St. Tnomas Manor not alwaj^s the residence of Superiors ; ceased to be so 
fifty years ago. 

John Baptist De Ritter, S. J., was second pastor of Goshenhoppen, 1765 
to 1785 ; visited Haycock, Reading, Makunzie, Cedar Creek, Sharp Mount- 
ain ; was at Allentown in 1774: died Feb. 3d, 1787. 

Page 53. ^Father Pellentz made Conewago his home from 1758 until his 
death in 1800. 

Page 53. — Father Carroll at Conewago : Mr. Griffin makes the date 
1785. 

Page 55.— Erection of Conewago church begun: From a scrap of a 
report to the Society by Father Enders, we see that preparations were made 
as early as 1785, as great labor was involved by the dressing of the stone and 
hauling them from near East Berlin. 

Page 57.— Father Molyneaux, ( so spelled by Father Neale. to whom the 
title of the Conewago property descended ; spelled nenx in Soc. rec.,) vcas 
Superior of the Jesuits ; died Dec, 9th, 1808 ; was President of Georgetown 
College, where he is buried. In his diary there is the following entry : May 
15th. 1775, would speak to Mr. Cauffman about signing over lands in Pigeon 
Hills to Mr. Lewis. Father Lewis succeeded him as Superior ; but we do 
not know what land was meant, except that it was a tract about two miles 
from Abbottstown. It may have been the '' Seminary " land, and that 
Joseph Heront came into possession of it through his acquaintance with 
Father Molyneaux, as they were both exiles from France. 

Page 58.— Father Brosius founded a school at Mount Airy, where 
not so. 

Page 60.— Herr Schmett, ( Mr. Smith,) Father Gallitzin : James McSher- 
ry, member of the Penn. Legislature from Adams Co., in 1811, introduced 
the i-esolution authorizing Father Smith to assume his right name of 
Gallitzin. 

Page 62.— Father i?o/r*//" was pastor of the Holy Trinity (German) 
church, Philadelphia, in 1826. 



200 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Page 63. — Fr. James Cummiskey, a secular priest, pastor of Old St. 
Joseph's, Phila., in 1824-5, was a brother of Eugene Cummiskey, Catholic 
publisher about forty years ago, and uncle of the late Eugene C, also a 
publisher. 

1830, Sunday; Sept. 26th. at Conewago, by Bishop Kenrick, Rev. James 
Bradley ordained priest ; Thomas Gegan, Thos. R. Butler, F. X. Gartland, 
Edward Sourin, sub-deacons ; 368 confirmed at 9 a. m. 

Page 63. — Father Beschter was stationed at Frederick in 1816-18, with 
Father Maleve ; was Rector of St. John's, Balto., in 1834 ; was at Georgetown 
College in 1829. Father Randanne came to this country in 1817 ; was Pro- 
fessor of Latin at St. Mary's College, Balto.. died at St. Charles College, 
Howard Co., Md., in 1864. Father Alexius Elder was born in Oct., 1791; 
died in Jan., 1871. 

Page 63. — The Pope who suppressed the Jesuits against his will, was 
Clement XIV. 

Page 65.— For reference to Frs. Britt and Byrne see Laity's Directory of 
1822, not now in our reach ; maybe White Marsh, England, but we think 
Russia is correct. 

Page 68. — Dween and Divin are no doubt the same ; he attended the 
York church and was at Carlisle as late as 1840. 

Page 69. — Zaco/r/ should be Sacchi, and Kendler Kendeler. Hatting we 
can find no trace of and think it a mistake for Cotting. as Father Cotting 
built the York church and not Hatting as we have stated. Father Sacchi 
attended York from 1841 to 1843. 

Page 69. — Rev. Nicholas Steinbacher. S. J., in May. 1843, blesses corner- 
stone of the Immaculate Conception Church. Nippenose Valley ; in June, 1842, 
blesses corner-stone of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville ; visits Dan- 
ville from Nippenose Valley, where he goes four times a year ; was at Leb- 
anon in 1843. Father Steinbacher would be gone from Conewago two and 
three weeks, attending the Mountain Missions and those in "Nipper's'' 
Valley, as he entered the name in his diary, 1844 to '46. 

Page 70. — Monaschei should be Monachesi. 

Page 74. — The statement that Father Enders built the old school houses 
is doubted, and believed to have been built by Father Lekeu. Father 
Enders put up the first iron fence before the church. 

Page 75. — 16th line— Bellair or Bell Air ; 31st line — ante-peudn/7n. 

Page 81. — Sisters Anne and Agnes first two sisters. 

Page 90. — 15th line — School or novitiate. ( Is ''noviceship " in will.) 

Page 103. — James J. Gormley pastor of Bonneauvilie. 

Page 106. — The corner-stone of the Mountain Church said to have been 
blessed by Rev. Fenan, S. J. We have never heard of the name before, 
especially not of the Society of Jesus. It may have been Phelan. who atten- 
ded Chambersburg before 1800. He was a " ti'aveling priest," further we 
know not ; his name is spelled Phelan. Failin. Feilin, and several other 
ways. He is mentioned by Finotti. Who ivas he ? He is mentioned as far 
west as the Ohio, and through Cumberland, Potomac and Shenandoah Val- 
leys. 

Page 109. — Father Zocchi vvas ordained in Rome, which he visited short- 
ly after 1800. See Life of Mother Seton. There is a book of his preserved 
by soms one at Westminster, wherein his oi"dination is recorded. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 201 

Page 116. — The Hageistown Church :— The name Tieman should be 
Tieran or Tieman. Frs. Cahill and Gallitzin from about 1818, 3d line from 
the bottom. Page 117. — Rev. James Redmond seems to have taken charge 
of the Hagerstovvu church during the summer of 1818, vvlien the records 
begin. Corner-stone laid in 1826, not "25. The church was dedicated Oct. 
5th, 1828, by Archbishop Whitfield, of Balto. Rev. J. Ryan was pastor, still 
remembered by some of the old members of the congregation as a man of 
great personal influence. He was sometimes called upon to quell disturban- 
ces along the Canal, and succeeded better in restoring order than a company 
of soldiers. He is buried in front of the church. See sketch of the dedica- 
tion in U. S. Catholic Miscellany, Charleston, Oct. 18th. 1828. High Mass 
was sung by the Archbishop, assisted by Rev. J. McGerry and Rev. J. Purcell, 
of Mt. St. Mary's. Thirty-two persons were confirmed. Father Purcell 
preached an able sermon. Father Flaut was a saintly man. Father Moran, 
now in Princeton, N. J., labored zealously at Hagerstown during the war, 
and was liked by all. Page 120.— 6th line, Sisters received ^700. In July, 
1885, the Sisters of St. Joseph left the Hagerstown Mission. The School Sis- 
ters of Notre Dame, Govanstown, Md., took their place. Aug. 10th, Sister 
Ignatia, Superior : Sisters Gei-main, Geralda and Sentfrida, arrived ; 
about 120 pupils attend the school. A Fair was held in Sept., and ^1400 re- 
alized towards paying the debt on the church. Father Manly, the present 
pastor, is laboring hard for the improvement of the church and the success 
of the congregation. 

Page 124.-Armand, not the Marquis who died of fever in Phila., in 1798; 
Gen. Armand suffered death on the guillotine during the French Revolution. 
Page 127. — Tryer is more correctly spelled Treier. 
Page 129— Rev. Pierce Maker. 

Page 133.— Father John Dubois landed at Norfolk, where not so; was 
founder of Mt. St. Mary's, and afterwards Bishop of New York. 
^ Page 134.— Richard and Wm. McSherry were ticm brothers. 

Page 135.— In speaking with Misses Anna and Magdalene McSherry, who 
knew Father Whelan personally, we learn that he was a man of great merit 
in every way ; sweet in his disposition ; plain in his ways and self-denying 
to the last. He was born in Baltimore, educated at Liege; died in Balti- 
more ; and buried at Wheeling, which is greatly indebted to his labors. 
Leaving his See of Richmond because his great peace-loving soul was ever 
willing to give others their own way. he went to Wheeling, where he be- 
came the father of the church and the first Bishop of what will some day be 
a flourishing diocese. Labor with him overcame all difficulties ; if he had 
a church to build he collected the money and worked at the building with 
his own hands ; if he had missionary duties to perform, nothing could deter 
him ; hundreds of miles to ride or walk were nothing to him : if the roads 
were impassable he took to the fields ; if the creeks were high he took to the 
water and swam across. When yet a j>riest he built a small brick church 
at Berkeley Springs. While working at the building himself one day, some 
strangers looked on and inquired of him who the architect was ; he answerd 
that he was ; they asked him who the contractor was ; he replied himself ; 
and who is the pastor, said they ; I am. While in Europe he had letters to 
influential persons, of whom he asked aid in his work. In Vienna he call- 
ed on a rich nobleman, who had many such calls and was in consequence 



202 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

often compelled to limit his assistance to small sums. He gave Father 
Whelan ^5, who expressed his thanks in so earnest and sincere a manner 
that the nobleman was moved to make inquiries as to the merits of the aid 
asked, and when Father Whelan returned to America the gentleman sent 
him a considerable sum. The life of Bishop Whelan was most edifying, and 
the example he leaves is truly that of a saint. 

In speaking to these ladies we ascertained further that the Rev. Sylester 
Boarman, S. J., one of the early priests at Georgetown College, was a brother 
to the father of Commodore Boarman, whose daughters Misses Anna and 
Nora, are novr living in Martinsburg; the family, like that of the McSherrys. 
is one of the oldest in Maryland and Virginia. 

Page 138. — No Sister died in Martinsburg ; Sister Victoria's death took 
place only recently. 

Page 143. — John Boler and August Thumel were ordained the Sunday 
before Christmas. 1885 : the Sunday after Christmas there was a Grand High 
Mass at St. Joseph's, Martinsburg. Father Thumel, celebrant ; Father Rector 
of St. Alphonsus', Balto,, deacon ; Father Boler, sub-deacon ; Father McKee- 
fry. Pastor, Master of Ceremonies. Same Page. — Albert Carroll's remains 
were removed to Baltimore by the family. 

Page 144. — Cumbekland Church. — 1879, Rev. F. S. Ryan appointed to take 
chai-ge of a new parish at Washington. He was at St. Patrick's, Cumber- 
land, for eight years ; at his departure received gifts from St. Patrick's Sun- 
day-school, and silver altar service from pupils of Sisters of Charity : was 
accompanied to the depot by Revs. O'Brien, of Lonaconing ; O'Connor, of 
Mt. Savage ; Schmidt, of Frostburg, and Fen ie of Barton. Rev. Luigi Sar- 
toris assistant at St. Patrick's. The monument erected by St. Patrick's con- 
gregation in memory of the late Rev. Edw. Brennan, for twenty-six years 
pastor of the church, was unveiled Dec. 9th, 1885, the first anniversary of his 
funeral. It is in St. Patrick's Cemetery ; of dark Quincey granite. 20 feet 
high, surmounted by a cross, and cost .^800. Rev. Ed. Brennan was born 
April 13th, 1827, in Kilkenny, Ireland : died at Cumberland, Md., Dec. 6th, 
1884; was pastor of St. Patrick's from July 16th, 1858. The priests present 
at the unveiling ceremonies were. Fathers O'Connor, Clarksburg, W. Va. ; 
Mattingly, Oakland, Md. ; Frioli, Keyser, W. Va. ; McDevitt and Wunder, 
pastors of St. Patrick's ; Schmidt, of Frostburg ; O'Connor, of Mt. Savage; 
Manning, of Lonaconing; Clark, of Barton ; Brennan, of Westernport ; 
Wilson, of Harper's Ferry ; and Francis and Hermann, of St. Peter and 
Paul's Church, Cumberland. 

Page 146. — First priest ordained in America, " Etienne " Badin ; Mr. F. X. 
Deckelmayer writes from Chambersburg, that he was well acquainted with 
Rev. Stephen Theodore Badin at Bardstown, Ky., from 1839 to 1843, where 
he heard him pi'each and -say Mass. Father B. told him he was the first 
priest ordained in America, Ftther Gallitzin the second, and Father Floyd, 
an Englishman, the third. Father Badin was born in Orleans, France, July 
17th, 1768 ; was ordained priest in the old Cathedral church. Baltimore, May 
35th, 1793; he died April 21st. 1853, with Archbishop Puicell, in Cincinnati. 

Page 148.— Last line, I. H. S. 

Page 154. — Father Emig's birthplace is BensJieim, Diocese of Mentz. 

Page 155. — 16th line, Althoff's, where not so. 

Page 163. — 17th line, contract awarded Jan., 1852. 

Pages 162 and 3. — "Laurah " Eline and '* Laurah " Mclntire should be 
Sarafi. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 203 

Page 164.— 12th line, Midgrew. Lewis Kumerant, a native of Gettys- 
burg, finished his studies at Mt. St. Mary's and became a priestabout 1881 or 3, 

Page 165.— 7th line, in anticipation 4000 years ago. 

Page 168.— Fr. Steinbacher died. 

Page 169.— The Painter Overbach was doubtless Overbeck. 

Page 170.— 3d line from bottom, Deiparacqne. 

Page 173.— Michael Egan, O. S. F.\ he was assistant to Father De Barth 
and attended Conewago occasionally from Lancaster, but did not reside at 
Conewago. 

Page 180.— 2d line of 2d paragraph, about 28 instead of 35 years. 

Page 183. — 19th line, plies his oar. 

Philip Mayei was one of the builders of Conewago Church in 1787. 
He had a saw mill in the tnouutains and was killed there. 

Many minor typographical errors have to be passed by unnoticed. Proper 
names are sometimes spelled differently, and names of persons are often 
hard to get correct. So many names and dates have made our work partic- 
ularly difficult. 

An Old Cause. — From the records of a suit pending in the Circuit 
Court of Berkeley Co., W. Va., Mr. D. C. Westenhaver, a young Catholic 
lawyer of Martinsburg, has prepared a sketch of an old legal case that 
thiows some light on the early settlers of the Potomac Valley. James Quinn 
died in 1805, and directed in his will that he should be buried in the Catho- 
lic graveyard near Smithfield. or " Wizard Clip.'" Rev. Denis Cahill and 
Dr. Richard McSherry, both connected with the Livingston affair, were the 
executors. The estate consisted mainly of bonds, made by one Josippi Min- 
ghinni, for the payment of the purchase money yet due on a piece of land 
sold by Quinn to Miiighinni ; these were bequeathed to Fr. Cahill, J. 
Minghinni and the Misses McSherry living in Martinsburg. The only indebt- 
edness was an open account due Luke Pentoney, of Martinsburg, but socom- 
plicated that Fr. Cahill considered a suit necessary to settle the amount due 
before paying the claim. Before its termination. Fr. C. left for Ireland in 
the Spring of 1806. assignmg the bonds bequeathed to him to Luke Tiernan, 
member of the Catholic publishing company, of Michael Tiernan & Co., Bal- 
timore. The claim of Luke Pentony was finally paid by Josippi Minghinni, 
the security of the executor. Father Cahill having in the meantime died in 
Europe in 1816. It is thought that one of the bonds willed to him had been 
left with some one to pay the claim, but no proof exists except that one of 
the bonds was never heard of. When the bonds assigned to Luke Tiernan 
became due. Josippi Minghinni declined to pay them, because he expected 
to be called upon as security of the assignor, Fr. Cahill, to pay the Pentoney 
claim yet in litigation. Tiernan consequentlv instituted suit upon these 
bonds in 1818 ; and it is to enforce the collection of the judgments then ob- 
tained, that the present suit of Tiernan vs. Minghinni was brought. These 
matters have continued in controversy in one form or another to this day, 
and the case has now gone to the Court of Appeals for the third time, a 
striking monument to the '• law's delays, "equaling in antiquity and interest 
Dickens' famous creation of " Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce," in the Bleak House. 
Three generations of litigants, a host af lawyers on one side and the other, 
many of whom have been men of national reputation, have passed away, but 
. the cause still continues on the docket. The names of Catholics mentioned 



204 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

in this connection, the presence of Father Cahill in Martinsburo;, and the 
existence of a graveyard known distinctly as "Catholic/' prove that the 
pioneers of the church and the Church itself had found a home here much 
earlier than is generally believed by historians. It is also a fair inference 
that Mass was celebrated at certain intervals in Martinsburg before 1800, 
and not after that as the date of the first Mass is generally placed. 

SUPERIORS OF THE MARYLAND JESUIT MISSIONS. 



1633. Andrew White ; 1636, Philip Fisher, cUias Percy, alias Thomas Cop- 
ley ; 1639. John Brock, or Poulton ; 1643," Philip Fisher, aZtas Percy ; 1645, 
Bernard Hartwell. The Society was dispersed and its members fled into 
Virginia. 1646 to '51, Philip Fisher ; 1654, Francis Fitzherbert. 1656. Soci- 
ety again dispersed. 1661, Henr^^ Warren, alias Pelham ; 1678, Michael Fos- 
ter, alias Gulick ;1684, Francis Pennington ; 1686, Tlio-i. Harvey, alitm Barton: 
1690. Francis Pennington ; 1696, Wm. Hunter, alias Weldon ; 1701. Robert 
Brooks or Brooke ; Peter Atwood, Thomas Mansell, alias Harding: 1725, 
George Thorold ; 1735, Vincent Philips; 1736, Richard Molyneaux ; 1740, 
Thomas Poulton, alias Brook, alias Underbill : 1747, George Hunter. In 
Oct. 1756, he returned to England ; came back in July. 1757 : Jacob Ashby, 
alias Middlehurst, Superior in the interim. He went to England in 1769, 
and in 1770, Ferdinand Farmer, true name Steinmeyer, Superior during his 
absence. 1771. John Lewis, until Bishop Carroll was appointed in 1783 : 
Robert Molyneux, 1805 : Charles Neale, 1808 ; John A. Grassi, 1813 ; Anthony 
Kohlman, 1817 ; Peter Kenney, 1819 ; Charles Neale, 1831; Francis Dzier- 
ozynski, 1833 ; Peter Kenney, 1830. In 1831 the Missions of Maryland 
were formed into a Province. Wm. McSherry first Provincial : his successors 
were : Thos. F. Mulledy, 1837 ; Francis Dzierozynski. 1840 ; James Ryder, 
1843 ; Peter Verhaegen, 1845 ; Ignatius Brocard, 1848 ; Chas. H. Stonestreet, 
1853 : Burchard Villiger, 1858 ; Felix Sopranis, 1859; A. M. Paresce. 1861 ; 
Joseph E. Keller, 1869 : Robert W. Brady, 1877 ; Pennsylvania always be- 
longed to the Maryland Missions, and in 1879 New York was added, and in 
1880 the title was changed to the Maryland-New-York Province, Robert 
Fulton Provincial since 1883. The Colleges of the Society have a long line 
of illustrious members who presided over them, commenceing with George- 
town, 1791, with such names as Plunkett, Molyneaux, Dubourg, Neale, Mat- 
thews, Grassi, Fenwick, Kohlman, Dubuisson, Mulledy. McSherry, Ryder, 
Maguire, Early and others. So with Gonzaga College, started in 1831, at 
the head of which were Kohlman, Marshall, Keiley, Blox, Barber, Deneck- 
ere, Villiger, Stonestreet, Clarke, Wiget, Jenkins, Fulton, Murphy, McGurk. 
What material for Catholic history I The Novitiate of the Society was start- 
ed at Georgetown in 1806 ; transferred to St. Inigoes, then to Whitemarsh, 
and after that to Frederick whei'e it is still located. It has had at its head 
such Masters as Francis Neale. Peter Epiuette, J. W. Beschter, A. Kohl- 
man, Charles Vanquickenborne, Francis Dzierozynski, F. Grivel, Samuel 
Mulledy, Samuel Barber, A. M. Paresce, B. F. Wiget, .J. A. Ward, Joseph 
O 'Callahan, Felix Cicaterri, A. J. Tinsdall. The Society numbers many 
learned and saintly men. Its members were with the first discoverers ; they 
braved every storm, gained every inch of ground by labor and perseverance, 
until now vast is there domain ; in christian warfare, powerful as an army 
ill battle array ; their deeds would fill volumes upon volumes of history ; 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 205 

they have preserved the faith by their labors, and embellished the Church 
by their lives and their learning. We have seen great things in our day; 
what the future will reveal we may not know. 

Among the names of priests appearing on the marriage registers of 
Trinity Church, Georgetown, D. C, are the following :— 

Father Neale, 1806-^18 ; J. Grassi, 1806-'18 ; T. Detheux, 18l8-"25 ; Father 
Fenwick. 1815-'17 ; J. McElroy, 1821 : G. Sauneu, 1824 ; St. Dubuisson, 1825 ; 
J. Smith, 1825-29 ; M. Dougherty, 1825-27 ; ( at Conewago after that ;) Van. 
Lommel, 1828-30 ; Th. Fiuigan, 1828, now at Conewago, bent under the 
weight of nearly ninety years, and has become as a little child ; F. M. Lucas, 
1830 ; St. Dubisson, 1831 ; R. B. Hardy, 1833-4 ; F. M. Lucas, 1832-39 ; F. 
Barbelin, 1836 : P. Leary, 1837 : W. Grace, 1837 : J. Curley, 1838 ; Ph. A. Sac- 
chi, 1838-40, after that at Conewago ; P. P. Kroes. 1833-43 ; S. Fenwick, 1839; 
T. Ryder. 1840 : P. B. O Flannigan, 1841-52 : Bishop Eccleston, 1842 ; J. X. 
Aiken, 1843 ; Antliony Rey, 1845 ; J. McElroy, 1846 ; J. Combs, 1847 ; J.Ralfe, 
1S47 : C. Vincinauza, 1847 ; whose name apj ears in a diary at Conewago in 
1846, where he stopped several times as a guest of the Fathers ; J. M. Finotti, 
!x learned Italian, ordained at Georgetown ; priest, teacher and writer : died 
at Denver, Col.. ( from the effects of a fall ), Jan. lOth, 1878, after having 
received the last Sacraments from Father Matz, of Georgetown, Col. R.LP. 
J. McGuigan, 1848 ; L. Vigilante, 1849 ; D. Lynch. 1849 ; J. A. Ward, 1850 : 
J. A. Aiken. 1850-60; T. Arnellini. 1851 ; F. Wiget, 1851 ; D. Solari, 1852; 
James Ashwander, 1853-63 ; J. E. Pallbuber. 1853-63 ; Rt. Rev. J. McGill. 
1855 : John Early, various times ; L. Roccofort. 1861-63 ; A. L. Jamison, 1863- 
68 ; A. Chjirlier, 1863-67 ; A. Janalick, 1863 ; Chas. St(5hestreet, 1864 : F. N. 
Jubitosi, 1866; A. F. Ciampi. 1867-68 ; Charles Jenkins, 1868. L. H. Sache, 
1868-70 ; J. Guida, 1869 ; B. A. McGuire, 1868; C. Stonestreet, 1870-74 ; C. 
Cicaterri, 1871 ; P. Duddy. 1873 ; E. Sourin, 1873 ; L. Roccofort. 1873-76 ; J. 
S. Sumner, 1873 ; G. B. Cleary, 1875 ; J. B. DeWolf. 1874. Others are : 
Fathers Epinette. Redmond, J. P. DeCloriricre. J. Wallace, J. Contiume, F. 

Dzycrozinsky- 

Among tlie subscribers to '■ The Catholic Cliristkin Instructed,'^ publish- 
ed at Baltimore in 1809, are the names of a number of Priests, but unfor- 
tunately the copy we possess has several pages torn out. The following 
names appear : 

Boston.— Rev. T. A. Matignon. Rev. Mr. Chevreus. 

Philadelphia.— Revs. Dr. Egan. Mr. Hurly, Mr. Harold. 

Georgetown.— Rt. Rev. Leonard Neale. Bishop of Gortyna ; Rev. Francis 
Neale. Pastor of Holy Trinity Church. 

Washington.— Rev. Wm. Mathews, Rector of St. Patrick's Church ; Rev. 
Notley Young. 

St. Inigoes.— Revs. Francis Neale, Richard Clarke. 

St. Marys ( Newtown.)— Revs. Igns. B. Brooke, Francis Maleve, M. 
Boulton. 

St. Thomas, Charles Co.— Rev. Charles Neale. Mount Carmel ; Rev. John 
Henry Zachiah. Revs. Henry Pele. Charles Waters, John Fenwick, John 

Henry. 

Kentucky.- Stephen Theodore Badin, Bardstown : Rev. Charles Ner- 

inckx. 

The assertion made by some one and repeated by many Catholic writers. 



206 CONE WAGK)— ^ COLLECTION OP^ 

that in Father Gallitzia's time there was no Catholic priest front the Sus- 
quehanna to the Potomac, or from .Baltimore to St. Louis as Scharff has it, 
must not be taken literally. From the beginning of 1700, when Southern 
and Western Pennsylvania, and the borders of Maryland and Western Vir- 
ginia began to be settled, priests were to be found wherever there ;W«re 
Catholics, — here to day, — miles away to-mori'ow. We have endeavored in 
this work to follow the outline of their labors. In the Indian settlenjents 
on the Ohio and its tributaries, priests found their way with theFrenph and 
Canadian expeditions long before the early missionaries traveled, the circuit, 
and the See of Gallipolis was no fancied creation but a movement of Rome to 
carry the Gospel into the unexplored regions of Ameiica. ( See Lambing's 
Researches. ) 

The mists of time have long since gathered over the pathways in the 
early history of the Catholic Church, which we have endeavored to trace. 
Names and places are almost forgotten, and the even ground we walk on to- 
day may conceal the graves of the past. Why then should the spirit of 
mortal be proud ? The same fate is in store for all ! What matters it how 
humble were the lives and lowly the occupations of the pious settlers who 
have gone before V All honor to them. They made more sacrifices for God 
and for us than we are making in our time. The arm that swung the axe 
belonged to a hero who could wield the sword. More honor to the men 
who handled the pick to clear the lands of this free country, than to the 
"heroes " who crushed Europe with tyranny and deluged the world with 
blood. 

HIERARCHY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ARCHBISHOPS. 

NAME. SEE. CONSECRATED. 

Most Rev. Peter Richard Kenrick, D. D. St. Louis, Mo. 1841. Nov. 30 

William H. Elder, D. D. \/ Cincinnati. Ohio, 1857. May 3 

Patrick A. Feehan, D. D. Chicago. 111. 1865. Nov. 1 

John Joseph Williams, D. D. Boston. Mass. 1866. Mar. 11 

James Gibbons, D. D. [/ Paltimore, Md. 1868. Aug. 16 

Michael Heiss, D. D. Milwaukee, Wis. 1868. Sep. 6 

J. B. Salpointe, Santa Fe. N. M. 1869. June 20 

. Patrick John Ryan, D. D. Philadelphia, Pa. 1872. April 14 

W. H. Gross, D. D. Portland Oregon. 1873. April 27 
Michael A. Corrigan, D. D. Coadj. New York, N. Y. 1873. May 4 

F. X. Leary, D. D. New Orleans, 1877. April 22 

Patrick W. Riordan. D. D. San Francisco, Cal 1883. Sept. 16 

BISHOPS. 
R't Rev. Dr. John Loughlin, 

L. De Goesbriand, 
Thomas L. Grace, 
John Hennessy. 
Edward Fitzgerald, 
William G. McCloskey 
B. J. McQuaid, 



Brooklyn, N. Y. 


1853. 


Oct. 


30 


Burlington, Vt. 


1853. 


Oct. 


30 


St. Paul, Minn. 


1859. 


July 


24 


Dubuque, Iowa, 


1866. 


Sept; 


30 


Little Rock, Ark. 


1867. 


Feb. 


3 


Louisville, Ky. 


1868. 


May 


24 


Rochester, N. Y. 


1868. 


July 


12 



CAiTHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 



2m 



Wniiam O'Hara, 
Tobias Mullen, 
J. F. Shanahan, 
J. P. Machebeuf, 
Thomas A. Becker, 
John J. Hogan, 
S. V. Ryan, 
P. J. Bakes, 
C. H. Borgess, 
P. T. O'Reilly, 
L. M. Fink, 
Joseph Dwenger, 
Richaid Gilniour, 
Francis McNeirny, 
T. F. Hendricken, 

E. P. Wadhams, 

F. Mora, 
John J. Kain, 
R. Seideabush, 
J. A. Healy, 

F. X. Krautbauer, 
John Ireland, 
Johh Tuigg, 
James O'Connor, 
J. L. Spalding, 
John Moore, 
F. S. Chatard. 
J. J. Keane, 
L. S. McMahon, 
John Vertin, 
JEgidius Junger, 
J. B. Brondel, 
Martin Marty, 
J. A. Watterson, 
P. Manogue, 
F. Janssens, 
J. C. Neraz, 
Kilian C Flasch. 
W. M. Wigger, 
M. J. O'FMvrel, 
H. P. Northrop. 
N. A. Gallagher, 
H. J. Richter, 
J. Rademacher, 
D. M. Bradley, 
H. Cosgrove, 
Isidore Robot. 
A. J. Glorieux, 
C. P. Maes, 
R. Phelan. 
J. O 'Sullivan, 
Vacant. 



Scrauton, Pa. 
Erie, Pa. 
Harrisburg, Pa. 
Denver, Col. 
Wilmington, Del, 
Kansas City, Mo. 
Buflfalo, N. Y. 
Alton, 111. 
Detroit, Mich. 
Springfield, Mass. 
Leavenwoi'th, Kan. 1871 June 11 
Fort Wayne, lud. 1872 April 14 
Cleveland, Ohio 1872 April 14 
Albany, N. Y. 1872 April 21 

Providence, R. I. 1872 April 28 
Ogdensburg, N. Y. 1872 May 5 
Montery.Cal. 1873 Aug 

Wheeling, W. Va. 1875 May 
St. Cloud, Minn 



1868 


July 


13 


1868 


Aug 


2 


1868 


July 


13 


1868 


Aug 


16 


1868 


Aug 


16 


1868 


Sept 


13 


1868 


Noy 


8 


1870 


Jan 


2^3 


1870 


April 24 


1870 


Sept 


25 



Portland, Me. 
Green Bay, Wis. 
St. Paul, Minn. 
Pittsburg, Pa. 
Omaha. Neb. 
Peoria, III. 



1875 May 
1875 June 

1875 June 29 

1875 Dec 21 

1876 Mar 19 
1876 Aug 20 

1877 May 1 



St. Augustine, Fla. 1877 May 13 
Vincennes, Ihd. 1878 May 12 
Richmond, Va. 1878 Aug 25 

Hartford, Conn. 1879 Aug 10 
Marquette, Mich 1879 Sept 14 
Vancouver, Wash.T1879 Oct 28 



Helena, Mont 
Yankton, Dak 
Columbus, Ohio 
Virginia City, Nev 
Natchez, Miss 
San Antonio, Tex 
La Crosse, Wis 
Newark, N. J 
Trenton, N. J 
Charleston, S. C 
Galveston, Tex 



1879 Dec 14 

1880 Feb 1 

1880 Aug 8 

1881 Jan 16 
1881 May 1 
1881 May 8 
1881 Aug 24 
1881 Oct 18 

1881 Nov 1 

1882 Jan 8 
1882 April30 



Grand Rapids, Mich 1883 April23 



Nashville, Tenn 
Manchester, N. H 
Davenport, Iowa 
Indian Territory 
Boise City, Idaho 
Covington, Ky 
Pittsburg, Pa 
Mobile, Ala 
Savannah. Ga 



1883 June 24 

1884 June 11 

1884 Sept 14 

1885 Aprill9 
1885 July 18 
1885 Aug 2 
1885 Sept 20 



208 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Addenda. — Page 158. — Fr. Deluol came to this country in Sept., 1817, 
left in Nov. 1843. Page 204.— Wm. McSherry, S. J., first Provincial, son of 
Richard McSherry ; born in Jefferson Co., W, Va. ; died Dec. 17th. 1839, at 
Georgetown. His father Richard with the twin brother Wm., came from 
Iceland and settled near Leetown, Va.. vrhich is near Smithfield. (Wizard 
Clip). Wm. had no children, and all the present McSherrys are descendants 
of Richard McS. and Anastasia Lilly. " Richard '' is a family name, the late 
Dr. Richard McS. in Balto. leaving a son Richard, great grandchild of the 
jelder Richard. Page 201.— Fr. Whelan partly educated at Mt. St. Mary's and 
~with the Sulpicians in Paris. Page 202. — Rear Admiral Charles Boarmau 
born in CJiarles Co., Md., Dec. 24th, 1797; occupied promiuefat positions as 
officer in U. S. Navy ; died Sept. 13th, 1879, at his home in Martiusburg. 
His father, Charles, was a Professor at Georgetown as eariv as 1797 : died 
1819 ; educated with his brother at Liege, in Belgium. Page 193. — Fr. Charlin 
should be Churlier. Page 100. — Fr. Pheian. &c. — Catholics of Ky. petitioned 
Fr. Carroll for a priest. He sent Rev. Mr. Whelan, an Irish Franciscan, 
residing with Jesuits at New Town, and '" past the flower of his age ;" start- 
ed With some emigrants in 1787 ; returned in 1789 ; this iray be the "trav- 
eling priest" called Pheian, Failin, &c. There were living in Pa. and Md. 
in 1774. twenty-two priests, members of the Society of Jesus when it dis- 
banded : Thos. Digi;es. Benedict Neale. John Lewis, Mathias Manners, 
Ferdinand Farmer, Joseph Moseley: James Fiambach, James Pellentz. Lewis 
Roels. John B. De Ritier, John Boone. James Walton. Ignatius Mathews, 
Peter Morris. Lucas Geisler. Geo. Hunter. Robert Molyneux, John Bolton, 
Sylvester and John Boarman, Charles Sewall. Austin Jenkins. Sylvester 
Boarman was a native of Md., educated at St. Omers. died at Newport, 
Charles Co., Md., Jan. 7th, 1811 ; his brother John died at Newtown, St. 
Mary's Co., in 1797, aged 54. Fr. Roels born in Belgium, 1732, died at St. 
Thomas Manor, Feb. 27, 1794. John Bolton born in Eug. 1742, came to Md. 
1771, died Sept. 9, 1809. When Fr. Carroll was appointed Spiritual Superior 
of the Church of the Provinces in 1783. steps were taken to establish a form 
of government for the church, at a meeting known as the Whitemarsh Con- 
vention, held June 27th, 1783 — present Revs. Carroll, Ashton, Sewall, Dider- 
ick, Boarman (Sylvester), Neale, Roels, Bolton. 

John Lewis born 1721 in England, came to Md. 1750, succeeded George 
Hunter as Superior of the Missions before 1773, and was himself succeeded 
by John Carroll ; died at Bohemia 1788, March 24th. Charles Sewall born in 
St. Mary's Co. near St. Inigoes, 1744, educated at St. Omer's. became a Jes- 
uit and returned to Md. in 1774. Bernard Diderick came to Md. in July, 
1782 or 3 ; died at '" Notley Hall." July 3d, 1793. Father Wapeler returned 
to Europe in 1748. Page 21. — •' Digges' Choice." The Digges were an old 
Md. family. Edw. D. was an early Governor of Va., son of Sir Dudley Dig- 
ges, who lost his life in the service of Charles I. He left a son Wm. who 
settled in Md. and left an older and a younger son. ancestors of two branches 
of the family ; the latter were Catholics and the Conewago Digges are their 
descendants. There was a Rev. Thomas Digges, S. »7. Ignatius D. was mar- 
ried to Mary Carroll, sister of Eleanor. Fr. Greaton born about 1680 ; enter- 
ed Society July 5, 1708 ; became a priest Aug. 4th, 1719 ; was at St. Inigoes 
in 1721 and '24; died at Bohemia Sept. 19, 1753. Rev. Robert Molyneaux 
born in Lancashire, Eng., June 24, 1738 ; entered So. 1757 ;arrived in Md. 1771. 
Page 205.— Rev. CainilUis Vicinanza, S. J., long pastor at Leonardtowii, Md., ciieil Dec. 
80, 1878, aged 64. Rev. Charles Duhaniel, a venerable and edifying priest, earl.y j^astor 
of Hagerstown and surrounding missions, was banislied r'roin France to the Islaiidof St. 
Croix, wliere lie labored for the salvation of souls. Tlie early priests who attended the 
Cumberland missions were. Revs. Cahill, Dubois, Zocchi, M.Ryan, Maleve and Red- 
mond; after 1820, Revs. T. Ryan, F. X. Marshall, H. Myers, B. S. Plot and L. Obermyer, 
up to 1841. Fr. Duboisalso visited Hagerstown, Chambersburg, Martiusburg, Winches- 
ter, and other places, from Frederick, where he was sttaioned in 1791. Father Gildea. 
who attended the Marlinsburg missions from 1830, was born in Baltimore, Feb. 2d, 1801 ; 
ordained March 25lh ,1829. The bell on the old church at Martiusburg, (now at Berke- 
ley Springs,) was among a lot of confiscated convent bells sent to this country from 
Spain; it was cracked probably in the sacking of some building in the revolutions. 
Page 193.— Miss Catharine Hemler, of Adams Co., Pa., made her profession at George- 
town Visitation Convent, Feb. 26th, 184-5.— Sister Mary Ann, The corner-stone of the 
Paradise Church (page 88) was laid June 18th, 1843. At Trinity Church, Washington, 
July 4th, 1843, ordained by Archbishop Eccleston, J. A.Ward, John E. Blox, C. H. 
Stonestreet, Francis Clarke, W. M.Logan. Rev. J. H. N . Joubert, who established 
the Oblate Sisters at Baltlmoie, was born Sept. 6th, 1777, France ; went to .San Domin- 
go in 1801, came to Balto. in 1804, died at St. Mary's Seminary, Balto.. Nov. 5th, 1843. 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 209 

NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS. 



The Golden Jubilee.— ThP feast of St. Joseph, April 15tli, 1S83, was celebrated by the Jesuits 
of the Maryland-New \ork Province, as the fiftieth anniversary under provincial rule- the same 
day having been the 25iith anniversary of the landing of the flr.st Jesuirs in Maryland. Father VVm 
F. Clarke was the orator at the celebration, at St. Iguatius's Church, Baltlmorej from whose sermon 
we take the following : - 

Particular importance and solemnity have been attached to the fiftieth anniversary from the 
timethar. (iod instituted the jubilee year of the Jews. Hence the title "golden" is given to the 
fiftieth anniversary of a birth, a marriage, an ordination, a consecration. 

We, then, in celebrating with jubilee the fiftieth anniversary of the Jesuit Province of Mary- 
land, are imitating the time-houored custom of every country and of every p'.-ople \\'e celebrate 
more than the semi-centenary of the Province. By a happv coincidence this i-: the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the departure from England of the Jesuit Fathers, destined for the first 
Catholic Mission of Maryland, in the iMwe and ttie Ark-M names for th • vessels that bore to an 
ignorance and superstition fiooded land the olive branch of the peace of Christ and the little family 
of religious that was t'> people the new world with children of God. Two centuries and a-half ao-o 
Fathers Andrew White. John Altham and Timothy Hayes, of the Society of Jesus, landed on the 
Maryland shore of tiie Chesapeake May, erected a Catholic altar, on it offered the infinitely Precious 
Sacrifice that represents and perpetuates the sacrifice of Calvary, planted the emblem of Chris- 
tianity—the Cross of the Crucified Redeemer— prea'-hed ihe Gospel to the aborigines ; by baptism 
closed the gates of Hell and opened the gates of heaven to their chief, the Indian King of Piscatawav, 
his queen, their children, and the principal men of the nation, and founded the mother of all the 
churches of the thirteen original States— the Church of Maryland. 

Maryland is aptly called the cradle of Catholicity and the (hiy-star of liberty in America. And 
whence was Maryland the day-star of liberty ? Whence was the banner of freedom, which nearly 
everywhere else had been furled and laid upon the dusty shelf of history, unfolded here to woo the 
breeze and kiss the sunlight if heaven ? It was at the suggestion and urgent recommendation of 
Jesuits. Mr. Thomas Kennedy, a Presbyterian gentlemsm, and member of the Assembly of Mary- 
land, published a speech, in which he asserted tliat "a Jesuit was the author of the first bill for 
libe ty of conscience in Maryland;" and this was conclusively shown by a distinguished lawyer, 
the gallant General Bradley T. Johnson, in a late lecture before'the Historical Society of iMaryland. 

We do not forget, liut we publish with joy, that previous, even a century previous to the com- 
mencement of the Maryland Mission, in the Spanish and French colonies, which since have become 
parts of the United States Franciscans, Domin'cans and Jesuits had moistened aud sanctified the 
soil with their sweat, their tears, their blood, their mangled and fire-charred limbs. Where is the 
Jesuit whose eyes do not glisten and whose heart is not aglow at the remembrance of the cruel and 
glorious martyrdom of our brethren -Kasle, Brebeuf, Lallemant and Jogues, and others. This last- 
named had been tortured with fire and scourge four years before his martyrdom. His nails were 
torn out and his fingers gnawed to the bone ; but he escaped, and Pope Innocent II. granting him 
a dispensation to say Mass, to grasp with the stumps of his mutilated fingers the .sacred Host and 
the chalice of precious blood divine, remarked t hat it was " but j ust that the martyr of Christ should 
drink the blood of Christ." 

Nor do I forget, but— glorying in every conquest of our leader, Christ, and deeply interested in 
the history of the country in which we live and which we love, my own, my native land— I turn 
with admiration and bow profound to the first of ali the missionaries in America, the children of 
St. Benedict, members of that grand old Order, which has given more martyrs, more Popes and 
more Bishops to the Church than any other Yes, centuries liefore the birth of the canonized 
founder of the Society of Jesus, centuries before what is gen rallv called the discovery of America 
by tlie pious and heroic Christ >|)her Columbus, the Benedictines had built churches, offered the 
Divine Sacrifice, administered the sanctifying and saving Sa 'rainents, made converts, lived sain's, 
and same of them die I martyrs, not onlv in Iceland and Greenland, but upon the shores of Mt. Hope 
Bay, within the limits ot what is now the State of Rhode Island. 

As Pennsylvania is not only indebted to Maryland for the faith, but forms and has always formed 
a part of the Jesuit Mission »nd Province of ^Maryland, may we not, should we not mention one of 
the churches of that State which celebrates to-day a fourfold jubilee, >t. Joseph's, Philadelphia, 
which, in one sense, is the oldest church in what was the British colonies of America ? There was 
a much older church in st. Mary's city, St. Mary's county, Maryland, and other much older criurches 
in St. Mary's, Charles and Prince George's counties, of this State. But scarce a vestige of St. 
Mary's city remains, and now I believe there is no church standing on the exact site of any of 
those old churches. 

St. Joseph's, Philadelphia, stands on the very site where our Father Joseph Greaton erected 
the Chapel of St. Joseph in 1733, one hundred and fifty years ago. The church that succeeded it, 
built aNo by Jesuit Fathers, after having been in the possession of other priests for nearly forty 
years, was restore<I to the Jesuits by Bishop Kenrick in April, 1S33, exactly fifty years ago. In that 
church General Washington and his stall, and Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, with 
his suite, attended the High Mass and solemn Tc Dcum sung in thanksgiving for the crowning 
victory of thr; War of Independence, won by the combined forces of America and Catholic France 
at Yorktowu, Virginia. 

From the time of Father White and his companions, the Jesuits here were subject to the Pro- 
vincial of England, until the suppression of the Society by Clement XIV., July 21, 1773. After the 
suppression tiie Fathers forming the Mission and laboring in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey 
and New Y'ork— but having residences only in Maryland and Hennsylvania — continued to cling 
fondly together, preserved their organization, and thus there has been a regular succession of 
Superiors from Father Andrew White to Robert Fulton, the present Provincial. 

Frederick II, King of Prus«ia, and Catharine II. Fmpress of Russia— the one, as he calls him- 
self, a heretic, the other, a schismatic— appreciating the learning and virtues of the Jesuits, espec- 
ially as educators of youth, preserved in their dominions the Society of Jesus, which the infidel 



210 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

ministers of the so called Catholic kinprs of France, Spain, Portugal and Naples, had doomed to 
destruction. Pius VI and Pius VII, the immediate successors of Clement XIV, approved of the 
action of Catharine and her successor, Paul I. 

The Jesuits of Maryland petitioned to be aggregated to the Society in Russia ; their request 
was granted, and, m 1805, Father Gruber. then General of the Society in that country, appointed 
Father Robert Molyneux Superior of the Maryland Mission. 

On the 7th of August, 1814, Pope Pius Vli went in solemn procession from the Quirinal Palace 
to the Gesu, the great church of the Society in Rome, accompanied by the College of Cardinasl, 
and greeted everywhere by the countless multitudes who thronged the streets with shouts of 
" Long live the Holy Father !" " Long live the Society of Jesus !" The Bull for the re-establish- 
ment of the Society in the whole world was rend amidst the manifestation of extraordinary joy in 
every countenance, tears of happy gratitude coursing meanwhile down the cheeks of the hoary- 
hpaded and age-bowed members of the old Society, who had assembled in the church they so 
much loved, to look upon the countenance of their lienefactor, to listen to the voice of the Vicar 
of Christ, the successor of Peter, bidding the Society of Jesus to live again— live to love and to labor 
as it had loved and labored before ; live that, in serried ranks, like an army in battle array, it 
might bear the name of Jesus in triumph, as it had often borne it before, over land and sea, from 
country to country, and be a witness to the Saviour even to the uttermost parts of the earth.— 
(Acts i, 8.) 

The first Superior of the Maryland Mission, after this solemn and total restoration of the 
Society of Jesus, was Father Anthony Kohlman, famous in history as the central figure In the 
celebrated case known in the courts of this country as the Catholic question in America— the qnes- 
tion, whethei a Roman Catholic clergyman can. under any circumstances, be compelled to reveal 
the secrets of auricular confession; which was decided negatively, in the Court of General Spssions, 
in the city of New York, in the year 1843, the Hon. De-Witt Clinton, the mayor of New York and 
the presiding oiHcer at the trial, delivering the judgment of the court : that the Rev. Anthony 
Kohlman. rector of St. Peter's Church, New York, had a right to decline answering the questions 
proposed to him by the police magistrate and the grand jury m regard to the restitution of property 
made by him as a minister of the Sacrament of Penance. 

Catholicity in Maryland and the Jesuits were identified from the advent of the Ark and the 
Dove to the death of Archbishop Neale, in 1817. At Bohemia, the name of our farm and residence. 
In Cecil county, Maryland, in the only Catholic schor>l in this country, John Carroll and Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton were prepared bv our Fathers for the collegiate course which they made in 
Europe. Cliarl°s Carroll of Carrollton, true to the lessons of his .Jesuit preceptors, signed the 
Declarationof American Independence, in July, 1776. John CanoU entered the Jesuits' Noviti- 
ate at St. Omer's in 1753, was ordained in 1759, became a professed Father in 1771, returned to 
America in 1774, was made Vicar-Apostolic, with power to administer Confirmation, in 1784, and 
in 1790 was consecrated Bishop of Baltimore, the limits of his diocese being the boundaries of 
the United States. As the first missionary in this country was a Jesuit, so the first Bishop and 
Archbishop of this country was a Jesuit, and the second Archbishop of this country, Most Rev. 
Leonard Neale, was a Jesuii. Their signatures appear, with those of other Jesuits, on our books 
as trustees of our property in Maryland and Pennsylvania until the respective death of each. 
Hence the body incorporated by the Assembly of Maryland to administer the property of the 
Jesuits was entitled simply the "Roman Catholic C'ergymen." 

Archbishop Carroll wished to have for his coadjutor and successor, first. Father Molvneux 
and then Father Gressel, both Jesuits. Father Molyneux declined, and Father Gvessel died at 
Philadelphia, a victim of charity, during the yellow fever in l'!93. So Archbishop Neale offered 
the nomination of coadjutor and successor to several .Jesuits, but all declined. 

This city was indebted to the Jesuits for the faith, and the facilities of practicing and enjoy- 
ing it until the close of Archbishop Neale's administration, and particularly so indebted after 
that period. Here, indeed, were the SulpUlans from 1791. But their labors were almost exclu- 
sively confined to the education of subjects for the sacred ministry, in which, thank God, they are 
still zealously and successfully occupied. Nearly 140 years a2■^, when this now beautiful city was 
a little village, too poor to support a resident priest, a "Jesuit Father from White Marsh, in Prince 
George's county, visited it regularly, celebrated Mass and administered the Sacraments. In 1784 
Father Charles Sewall was statioued here. Father John Carroll joined him in 1786. Father 
Francis Beeston was here from 1794 to 1805. Father Enoch Fenwlck, who built the present 
cathedral, was rector of old St. Peter's, then the Cathedral, from 1808 to 1820, and Father J. Wm. 
Beschter was pastor, from 1821 to 1829, of old St. John's, which stood where now .s St. Alphon- 
sus's. But from 1829 to 1849 the Jesuit was unseen In Baltimore, save as a pilgrim, and might 
exclaim as did holy Job : "They that knew me, have forgotten me. They that dwelt in my 
house have counted me as a stranger." (.Job xlx, 14. 15.) In 1849 Archbishop Eccleston wel- 
comed the Jesuits back to the scene of their labors, the old homestead of their Carroll and their 
Neale. I had the pleasure of opening my pastorate at St. Joseph's, in tnis city. Informing our 
Very Rev. Father General of that Archbishop's uniform kindness to us, and the happiness of 
being, by commission of the General, the bearer of his compliments and thanks to the Archbishop. 
At the invitation of his successor, Most Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, our Fathers opened Loyola 
College, in Baltimore, September 15, 1852. 

When the Mission of Maryland became a Province, Julys, 1833, Rev. William McSherry was 
appointed Provincial. Of him it Is related tiat when he was an Infant in his mother's arras, a 
mysterious voice from midair bade her take special care of that child, for he would be of service 
to the Church of God. He admitted me to the Novitiate shortly after his accession to office, and 
consequently I was well acquainted with him and with his successors, and I know something of 
the history of the Province. But that history I do not propose to rehearse. I would merely and 
briefly call your attention to the wondrous change wrought not in the Province only, but in the 
Church in this country and in the country itst if. Fitly years ago the Province of Maryland was 
confined to the States of INIaryland and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Now, be- 
sides Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, it Includes New Jersey, New York, 
Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Then there were but six Catholic colleges in the United 
States; one-half of them were in the Diocese of Baltimore, and two of the six were Jesuit Col- 
leges—the present Universities of Georgetown, District of Columbia, and St. Louis, Missouri.— 
Then our Province had but one college, now It has nine. Then we had but four city churches ; 
now we have 17. In the Province then there were only 38 priests, now there are 211 ; then 17 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 211 

scliolastica or candidates for the sacred ministry, now 156 ; then 30 lay brothers, now 173 • the 
total then being S5 ; the total now 540. ' 

In 1833 the Jesuirs, Angustlnians and Dominicans, were the only religious Orders in this 
country. Now the Benedictine and the Franciscan, the Carmelite, the Capuchin and the Pas- 
sion. stare in the land; and of the religious Congregations, besides the Kedemptorists and the 
Lazarists, who were here, there are many others— all building churches and schools, preaching 
Christ crucified, and converting and sanctifyingsouls. Nor should I forget those whose proto- 
types stood most numerous at the foot of Calvary's Crosaand were the first to visitthe sepulchre 
of their resuscitated Saviour— the female religious, who fifty years ago were as numeous as the 
males ; and much less will I forget that the female Orders first in this country were introduced 
by the Jesuit Archbishops of Baltimore, and that to them is due the existence of Mother Seton's 
Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, which has done more than any other to conciliate the 
mind and win the praise of Protestants, who appreciate what is done to alleviate the miseries of 
the hod v. 

Equal, even greater, has been the progress of the Church in general. Thousands of other 
strong and active laborers have entered into the fields "white already with the harvest, which 
was great, but the laborers were few," and from my heart I cry out with Moses, who, when Josue 
appealed to him to forbid others to prophecy, exclaimed : "Why hast thou emulation for me'' 
O. that all the people might prophecy and that the Lord would give them His spirit." (Num xi 
29.) Yet, more. I cry. O Lord ! yet more laoorers for Thy vineyard. So that, in the langua<^'e of 
St. Paul to the Philippians, "bv all mean.s, whether by occa=!ion or by truth, Christ be preached • 
in this al.so I rejoice, yea. and I will rejoice." (i, 18.) Let no one, brethren, say, " I, indeed, am 
of Paul ; and, another, I am of Apollo. What then is Apollo, and what is Paul ? The ministers 
of Him in whom you have believed. I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the in-rease 
Therefore, neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the 
increase. We are God's coadjutors ; you are God's husbandry, you are God's building. I have 
laid the foundation, and another huiideth thereon. Let no man, therefore, glory in men. For all 
things are yours, whether it be Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas, or the world, oi life, or death, or 
things present, or things to come, for all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." 
(1 Cor. lii.) So that God be served, honored, ioved, it matters not by whom, rejoice and be ex- 
ceedingly glad. Rejoice, then, brethren, that, whereas in 1S33 there were but ten dioceses in 
the United States— but one of these dioceses comprised all the New England States, another all 
the country west of the Mississippi— there are now 63 dioceses and eight Vicariates Apostolic. 
Then there were 12 Bishops, two of them being coadjutors ; now there are a Cardinal, 13 Arch- 
bishops and 59 Bishops. Then there were scarce 25i) priests, and a Catholic population of half a 
million ; now there are more than 6.500 priests, 7,40t) churches and chapels, 31 ecclesiastical sem- 
inaries, 81 colleges, 580 academies, 275 asjlums, 185 hospitals, and a Catholic population of nearly 
7,000,000. 

Of all the Prelates and priests who attended the first Council of Baltimore, only one is now 
living, the Archbishop of Cincmnati ; and of all who were members of the Jesuit Mission of 
Maryland when it became a Province. July 8, 1833, only four are living, three who were priests- 
Fathers Finnigan, Havermann and Curlev— and one who was a novice. Father Ward, now of 
Loyola College. All the others have passed in funeral procession through the gate-way of death 
into the regions of eternity ; and with them have passed, almost without an exception, the people 
whom they sought to enlighten, sanctify and save. 



The Church in America.— That long before the ninth century. Catholicity was trans- 
planted from the shores of Europe, Asia or Africa to those of America, by bold navigators and 
hardy adventurers is highly proliable. But, interesting as the examination of such a question 
might prove, we cannot attempt it now, but must be satisfied with the statement that, according 
to the records which have thus far come to light, the first Christians who visited this country 
came from Greenland and Iceland, known to geographers as Danish America. 

In 829 Catholic missionaries visited Danish America— more than a thousand years ago. In 
834 Pope Gregory i\\ placed Iceland and Greenland underthe jurisdiction of Ansgar, Archbishop 
of Hamburg, whom he appointed his Apostolic Legate for the North. Iceland and Greenland 
being entirely Catholic as early as 1004, the interest of religion in those countries required the 
erection of Episcopal Sees, and in theyear 1055 Adalbert, Archbishop of Bremen-Hamburg- these 
two cities then formed one Archiepiscopal See— consecrated Jon Bishop of Skalhoit in Iceland, 
and Albert Bishop of Gardar in Greenland. 

Bishop Jon, who was a Scot, after a four years' residence in Iceland, came to this country 
in the year 1059, to convert the natives and administer to the spiritual wants of the Catholic 
Scandinavian population— colonists from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Greenland— 
who from time to time had formed settlements in what they called Vinelaud, a tract of country 
desciibed in old maps as extending over the entire portion of Massachusetts and a part of Rhode 
Island, commencing at Cape Ann and terminating with Narragansett Bay. More, then, than 
eight hundred years ago, and consequently nearly six hundred years before the Puritan pilgrims 
set foot upon Plymouth Rock, the Catholic Church had a Bishop there ; yes, and a martyr too, 
for the saintly prelate fell a victim of zeal aud charity beneath the deadly arrows of those for 
whom he was endeavoring to open the gates of heaven. More than fifty years before this time, 
in the year 1003, one of the headlands of Massachusetts, near the present city of Boston, was 
called the Promontory of the Cross, from the grave of Thorwald, a Catholic explorer, whose 
dying request, when he had been mortally wounded by the Esquimaux, was that his companions 
should bury him there and place a cross at his head and auotuer at his feet. The first birth 
from Catholic parents, and therefore the first baptism in America, was that oi Snorre, who was 
born in 1009, of Thoi finn and Gudrida, on the western shore of Mt. Hope Bay, in Bristol county, 
Rhode Island. This family returned to Iceland, aud theni-e, after the death of her husband and 
the marriage of her sou, Gud-ida weut on a pilgrimage to R^me and gladdened the heart of the 
Holy Father with news from his chiiJren in the New World. Thus you perceive that the first 
Catholic mother of America was the first pilgrim from the Western World to the shrine of St. 
Peter and the Court of the Vatican — and this more than eight hundred years ago ! A historian, 
who records this fact, writes: "Rome lent a ready ear to accounts of geographical discoveries 
and carefully collected maps and narratives. Every discovery seemed an extension of Papal 
\ominion and a new field for the preaching of the gospel." I might disappoint your laudable 



212 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

curiosity, were I not to add that this pious woman returned to Iceland and ended her days as a 
nun in a Benedictine convent built by her son ; and that son had among his grandchildren three 
who were Bishops of Iceland. 

The martyr Jon was not the only Bishop who visited what is now Rhode Island. In the year 
1121 Erick, Bishop of Gardar, in Greenland, went to Vineland, and, like Bishop Jon, ended his 
life in this countrv. What, more than two centures ago, people called "the old stone mill,'" at 
Newport, admitted by all to be a work of the Norsemen, antiquarians say was erected about the 
time of Erick, and was a baptistery, built after the style of many of the baptisteries of the mid- 
dle ages. As the Catholic colonists of America were for centuries dependent on the Bishops of 
Greenland and Iceland, it may be well to remark that these Bishops were, by order of Pope 
Gregory IV., in 834, suffragans of the Archbishop of Hamburg ; that in 1039 ttiey became suffra- 
gans of the Archbishop of Lund, by order of Pope Urban II. ; and finally, iu 1154, they became 
suffragans of the Archbishop of Drontheim, in Norway, by order of Pope Anastasius IV. ; and 
history testifies that from time to time they crossed the ocean to attend the Provincial Councils 
held in those metropolitan cities. In 12T6 the Crusades were preached ia America, and Peter- 
pence were collected here and sent to Rome by order of Pope John XXI., and subsequently by 
order of his successors, Nicholas III. and Martin V. Carliolicity, in a word, was in a ilourshing 
condition in Iceland and Greenland, and consequently we may infer in Vineland, till the middle 
of the sixteenth century ; when, the northern nations of Europe having to a great degree apos- 
tatized from the faith. King Christian, of Denmark, m 1540, sent preachers to Danish America to 
substitute Lutherauism for the old faith, a substitution which was inaugurated by dragging off 
one of the Bishops of Iceland, Augmund of Skalhoit, to a prison in Denmark, and beheading the 
other, Jon Arleson, of Horlum, in 1551 ; the people meanwhile protesting against the change of 
religion, with the declaration that it belonged not to the King of Denmark, but to the Roman 
Pontiff to teach them what they were to believe. 

This adhesion to the teaching of the Roman See characterized the Greenlanders al35, as Pope 
Nicholas V. testities in a letter written in 1448, in which he also states that they had then been 
Catholics for nearly six hundred years. The last Bishop of Gardar was Vincent, who was conse- 
crated in 1531— forty-five years, as you perceive, after the discovery of America by Columbus, 
and nearly live hundred years after the erection of tnat See. We may reasonably conclude that 
for several vears the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass, with its inseparable thanksgiving, was simul- 
taneously offered in Vineland by the descendants of the Norsemen, and on the shores of F.orida 
and in the islands off our southern coast by the missionaries who followed in the track of Colum- 
bus. Finally, deprived of their pastors, the scattered flock gradually lost their faith ; and now 
nothing remains to tell of the Christianity of Vineland but the ancient documents from which I 
have quoted, the remains of the stone baptistery at Newport, R. I., which some of you no doubt 
have seen, and some tombs of those early adventurers which are occasionaiiy discovered, one of 
which, found in Virginia, some fifteen miles soutliwest of Washington, besides its Catholic in- 
scription, "May the Lord have mercy on her," bears the date of 1051. 

If I have dwelt long upon the Catholic history of the Norsemen in what are now the New 
England States, it was because I supposed the subject would be equally novel and interesting. 
Nor can I leave It without stating that the form of government in Iceland, Greenland and Vin- 
iand was republican from the foundation of the respective colonies till the year 1621 when they 
became dependencies of the crown of Norway. There was, therefore, a little Catholic republic 
on this continent seven hundred, perhaps eight hundred years ago. Referring to these early 
republics, Malte-Brun remarks: "The genius of liberty and of poetry brought into action the 
brightest powers of the human mind at the ends of the habitable earth."— From Rev. F. W. Clarke's 
Centennial Discourse, 

From a Lecture of Rev. E. A. McGurk, of Loyola College, Baltimore.— From this 
very place we can almost touch the soil on which the Jesuit Fathers steppe<l from the Ark and 
Dove. They came in the company of honorable men, weary of the struggles for conscience 
sake. Governmental intolerance of their peculiar tenets d-ove the Qrakers to Pdunsylvania, the 
Episcopalians to Virginia, the Puritans to Plymouth and the Catholics to Maryland. The circle 
ot freedom which all of them but one drew around them was only large enough to inclose them- 
selves. The banner of but one ship proclaimed universal tolerance, and that was the ship which 
brought the Catholics to Maryland. 

To Sir George Calvert were our Catholic ancestors indebted for this. Until 1624 he was a 
Protestant. His conversion involved great personal sacrifices. He held the high and lucrative 
office of secretary ot state under James I. To continue to hold office was to share in the iniqui- 
tous laws which persecuted his Catholic fellow-citizens, and that he could not do. He led in per- 
son a colony to Newfoundland, but its soil was too sterile. He sailed southward, but failed iu his 
attempt to associate with the Episcopalians of Virginia. They wanted freedom, but it wai only 
freedom for themselves, not for Catholics, and they would have exacted an oath from him which 
would have degraded him below the slaves on their plantations. He returned to England and 
obtained a liberal grant under which his son Leonard planted the colony of freemen in .\larylaud. 
The gallant lit:;Ie ship left England November 22, 1G33. The colony was numerically Protestant, 
but politically, socially and religiously Roman Catholic. The expedition consisted of Leonard 
Calvert as Governor, Jerome Hawley and Capt. Thos. Cornwallys, assistants, with 20 gentlemen, 
and 200 mechanics, laboring men, servants and others. The superior of the three Jesuit priests 
of the party was Father Andrew White, the apostle of MarylanJ. At the outset they placed their 
ships under the protection of God, committing their success to the keeping of the blessed St. 
Ignatius and the guardian Angel of Maryland. Ah denominations respect tiie influence of their 
ministers, but a catholic's need of a priest is founded on a deeper faith in his holier usefulness. 
He has power to say thy sins are forgiven thee. He leaves the land of stareiy temples, but bears 
authority to offer the victim ot mercy on aitars rude as the unchiseleJ rocks. The two most no- 
table personages who gazed on the new land were Leonard Calvert and Audresv White. There 
the missionary felt his prayer and chants might mingle with the songs of birds and his words flow 
free as the rivers that poured their waters into the ocean. None knew bettef than Father White 
what havoc of faith tyranny had made. A site for a city was chosen, and St. Mary's the name 
given to it. But In days when traveling through a county was like a journey across a continent, 
it had to be abandoned for a place more accessible as a capital to the interior of the colon i^j 
Annapolis, its successor, though it has never grown to be a giant, is not without its title to fanj-^ 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 213 

The author of old Maryland Manors says "it was at Annapolis that soft crabs, terrapin and oau- 
vas-buck ducks obtained their renown as the greatest delicacies of the world." He q\iotes from 
a Fi-encn traveler of the last century : "In thar inconsiderable town at the mouth of the Severn 
at least three-fourths of the hou'<es may be styled elegant and grand. The Sinte House is a very 
beautiful building— I think the most— of any i have seen in America. Female luxury exceeds 
what is known in Prance. A Fieiich hair-dresser is a man of importance among them, and it is 
said a cei tain dame here hires one of that c-alt at one thousand crowns a yea"." 

In 1638 Father While wrote to his superior in Rome: "By the splrinial exercises of St. Igna- 
tins we have formed most of the inhabitants to the practice of pietv, and the sick and dyino- have 
all been attended in spite of the distances of their dwellings." His labors were equally fruitful 
among the Indians. It is an honor of Maryland not shown by the ot;tier colonies, that from the 
beginning friendly relations existed between the white man and the ludlans. Need it be repeated 
that Father White and his missioaari.;s were Jesuits? At that time the order was in the z-nith 
of its glory. The superiors of the orde'-, true to their sagacity of sending the b=st men to China 
Japan and Paraguay, appointed for Maryland m^n of great le^irning and ability. The history ot 
the Jesuits shows that the most gifted men were the bi:st for this humble work. Xavier Riccls 
Ortega, Father White, were all men of distinction in the great schools of Eurone. The drst his- 
tory of Maryland is from his pen in Latin. Will any one wonder that the Jesuit loves Maryland' 
He has lived here two centuries and a-half, and is not likely soon to move. St. Igna'ius, founder 
of the Jesuits, was the patron of the Aik and Dove, an I the State is stiU under Ins patronage. 
The provincial of the order gave up to the pioprkfary the manors of Mattapony, Immaculate 
Conception and St. Gregory. 

The act of religious toleration of lfi4S is a cherishea memory. It was passed In the Assem- 
bly sitting la St. Mary's City. But what Is religious toleration? The question is pertinent, 
because It is said the church's teachings are inconsistent with toleration. There is a right kind of 
toleration and a wrong kind. The wrong kind advocates the license of believing just what a 
man chooses. Kevelation has fixed bevond the riaht of man to change it to lust what we shal' 
believe. He must submit to slavery and deat'i rather than yield up that truth. But there is a 
kind of toleration consistent with Catholic p'inciples. While we hold in the abstract that unity 
of religion would conduce oest to the best Interests of man, there may be conditions of society 
when freedom of differing In religion is altogether necessary for the happiness and prosperity 
of the State. In such conditions of societv 'he Catholic savs, I will not force you to believe as I 
do. I will not debar you from any position of honor or gain because you are not a Catholic. This 
was the character of religious toleration in Maryland; this kind of toleration Is necessary for 
the well being of our republic. Other colonies were colonies of persecuted men for their religious 
opinions ; Maryland was a colony of persecuted Roman Catholics. It is not to the purpose to 
say there were Protestants on the Ark and Dove. It was emancipation of Roman Catholics 
that inspired the emigration from the mother country. Maryland aione— a Catholic colony- 
granted freedom to every man. The charter granted to the first Lord Baltimore secured religious 
ireedom long before the act of toleration was passed. The second Lord Baltimore (Cecilius) 
was most earnest in carrying out that charter. Not one case of Intolerance can be cited against 
Leonard Calvert. "Peace to all, persecution of none," was his favorite motto. He convicted 
John Lewis, an ardent Catholic, for forbidding his Protestant servants reading the Protestant 
Bible. The same chape! was used at one hour for Catholic sacrifice, at another hour for Prot- 
estant prayers. In the memorable Assembly of 1649, while the Catholics were in the majority, 
the Protestants acknowledged the act of toleration was adhered to, and passed a resolution to 
that effect, which was sent to England. These were glad tidings to every nation of Europe and 
where religious dissensions prevailed. 

The lecturer argued that to attribute the toleration in Maryland to motives of self-interest 
in Lord Baltimore and the Catholics was to give him no nobler viewsand motives than a Yankee 
peddler might claim. But Lord Baltimore Is safe In Protestant as in Catholic hands from such 
an Imputauou. He quoted the recent historical review of the circumstances of those times by 
Gen. Bradley T. Johnson in proof of the nobler claims of Lord Baltimore on the admiration of 
posterity, Marylanders, and all friends of liberty. 

A Missionary's Death.— Rev. Judocus Francis Van Assche, S. J., departed this life Tues- 
day, June 20, at 12 o'clock noon, in his seventy-eighth year. On the 'ieth of last May he started on 
horseback to visit the sick, carrying with him the Blessed Sacrament. When two miles from 
Florissant, Mo., out on the Cross Keys Roads, he was suddenly attacked with paralysis, falling 
from his horse. The faithful animal stood still, seemingly waiting for him to rise and remount. 
He lay helpless on the ground, till a gentleman, happening to pass that way, assisted him upon his 
horse. He wished to go on to the house of the sick person, but after riding a short distance he 
felt that he could proceed no further, and he turned about and returned to his home at Florissant, 
which he reached with much diiticulty. Dr. Hereford being called, found the attack to be a serious 
one, and to offer little hope of recovery. The patient was removed to the St. Stanaslaus Novitiate, 
where, despite all that the medical art and the kindness of friends could do for him, he gradually 
sank until he breathed his last. 

The word rapidly travelled to the village and through the surrounding country to this city that 
" good Father Van Assche Is dead ;" and perhaps none that knew him personally, ever knew 
another person to whom the epithet ' good'' In all its meaning, could be so appropriately given — 
for Father Van Assche was a man of remarkable goodness, both by nature and from every availa- 
ble virtue. He 

NEVER H.\D AN ENE.MY 

and an unkind word was never spoken against him. He had the simplicity of a child ; he was so 
cheerful, so kindly in his manners, so ready to serve others, and to give the peference to any one 
over himself, that no man knew him that tlid not love him, ami no one could meet him without 
desiring again to see hiui and converse with him. Every member of his congregation looked on 
him as a special friend, and all revered him as a wise and -aintly man He was a father to the 
poor and those in sorrow ; and he never turned away a beggar from his door without giving some- 
thing, even when having little for himself ; "for," he would say to his friends, "even if the beggar 
be an undeserving drunkard, he must be In great need if he will come to ask a small pittance of 
me." Father Van Assche realized in his whole life and conduct the ideal of a Christian pastor, 
made perfect beyond all ordinary men, by a charity that was unfeigned, because it knew no ex- 



214 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

ception, it refused no work, and it feared no sacrifice. His zeal was not like that of the Pharisee, 
fiery and intolerant; it was persuasive and gentle, making duty a pleasure, not an insupportable 
burden. He was distinguished for his practical good sense and the solidity of his judgment con- 
cerning all the affairs of human life ; he was ot)servant and thoughtful ; his opinions showed so 
much wisdom and prudence on all matters falling under his notice that his advice was sought for 
and most highly valued even by most learned acquaintances. It was instruction to hear him 
express his thoughts on public and social questions. Having spent in the United States fiftv-six 
years of his long life, he had become attached to the country and its institutions as if he had known 
no other. He often said pleasantly to his young friends who were born here : '' I am more of an 
American than you for two reasons ; one is, I am here longer than vou have been ; and the other 
is, that I am an American by choice, while you are one t>y accident." He lamented the rapid 
growth of avarice among our citizens during late years, saying "Now the people no longer work 
for a living, but all are now working to become rich." He 

FIRST BEGAN TO MINISTER 

at the altar in 1S27, now fifty years ago ; he baptized in tiieir infancy the grand-parents of many 
now living in St. Louis and in St. Louis County. "Good Father Van Assche," as tie was for many 
years styled by every one, was buried on the spot— a little mound— where repose the remains of 
Father be Sm'et, the illustrious Indian missionary, and those of Father Meurin, who died at Kas- 
kaskia in 1777. Fifty long years ago Father Van Assche heard the whip-p jor-will's nightly song 
from its perch on the tall trees covering the ground beneath whose sod he will now sleep liis last 
long sleep. 

When this good and much-loved old missionary first reached St. Louis, iMay 30, 1823, it was 
then but a struggling frontier town. 

Father Judocus F. Van Assche was born at St. Amand, which is on the banks of the Scheld, 
and is five leagues above Antwerp. His father, Judocus Van Assche, dealt in spun cotton and flax. 
Young Van Assche wished to be a sailor, and his father applied to a captain, known to be a good 
man, to receive him, but the captain whom he applied to declined to accent any more boys. The 
youth was sent to school at Mechlin. His playfulness caused his teacher, by not r ghtly esiimating 
the innocent vivacity of a boyish nature, to request his father to recall him from school. His 
father declined to do so till his son was given further trial The youth soon became distinguished 
for his diligence in study, obedience to rules, success in his classes, and all virtues becoming his 
age. 

In 1816, the illustrious Kentucky missionary, Father Chas. Nerinckx, went to his native coun- 
try, Belgium, in the interest of his various missions in the diocese of Bardstown, Ky. On his 
return to the United States, in 1S17, he was accompanied by James Oliver Van de Vekle, who joined 
the Jesuit Society at Georgetown College, D. C In Belgium the latter was tutor of French to 
young Judocus F. Van Assche, who would have accompanied him had not his youth and the lack 
of means rendered such a step impracticable at that time. His desire to join his friemi at George- 
town he however kept, and he only waited for an opportunity to go to America. In 1820, Father 
Nerinckx again visited Belgium, and passing by way of Georgetown, he was made the bearer of a 
letter from Mr. Van de Velde to young Van Assche, which was delivered to the parents of the 
youth. Young Van Assche resolved to accompany the Kev. Mr. Nerinckx on his return to America, 
and revealing his intention to his schoolmate, John B. Elet, he too determined to go with the mis- 
sionary to America. A little after, John B. Smedts joined them in their proposed journey, and 
then P. J. De Smet, Felix Verreydt, and P. J. Vernaegen also determined to join the party. In 
order to raise the funds necessary for the trip they disposed of their books, furniture, pawning 
their pianos and watches for redemption by their "parents. After overcoming many diftlculties 
they collected together on the Texal, a small island off the coast of North Holland. Near the 
island the ship " Columbus," on which they were to sail, rode at anchor waiting for them. They 
boarded and went quietly out upon the main sea. They seemed to have cast no lingering, longing 
looks back upon the shores which mosf of them were never to see again ; for their purpose was to 
give up all in order to devote their lives to the Indian missions of America. 

THEY REACHED PHILADELPHIA 

on Sunday, September 23, 1821, whence they proceeded at once by way of Baltimore to Georgetown. 

They were received as novices and sent at once to the house of probation, at Whitemarsh ; the 
place was so named in commemoration of the illustrious Father White, S. J., who accompanied 
the first colony of English Catholics, who, leaving their country for conscience sake, settled in 
Maryland. 

In the year 1823, Bishop Dubonrg, who was bishop of Upper and Lower Louisiana, went to 
Georgetown to request a colony of Jesuits to be furnished him by the provincial of the Maryland 
province, for the evangelization of the Indians in the State of Missouri. Father Van Quicken- 
borne, with Messrs. Van Assche, De Smet. Verhaegen, Verreydt, Smedts. Elet and Brother de 
Meyer, who still survives at the good old age of eighty- four, offered themselves for the missions in 
the far West. They left Whitemarsh about the middle of April, 1823, went to Baltimore, where 
they procured wagons for their luggage and started on their journey to W^heeling, W. Va. They 
went by way of Frederick, Md., Conewago, Pa., Cumberland. Md., thence across the AUegheney 
Mountains, reaching Wheeling after a journey of about two weeks They were here entertained 
for a few days by a kind gentleman, Mr. Thompson, whose daughter subsequently became a dis- 
tinguished member of the Sacred Heart order. They procured two flat boats, which they lashed 
toaether, placing upon one of them a wagon, some negroes that accompanied them, their stock of 
provisions for the journey, etc.,— the Reverend gentlemen, with their library and various articles 
of Church furniture, being in the other boat. .-Mter a trip down the river of some twelve days, 
without striking incidents, they reached Louisville, where they met the Rev. Charles Nerinckx, 
who was there awaiting their arrival, he having a few days previous gone to Louisville to start for 
the "Barrens" in Perry Co.. Mo. —a colony of his sisterhood, the Loretto Nuns— there to establish 
a school. A "Falls pilot" was engaged to get their boats safely over the falls, and in his trip down 
the rapids, Mr. Van Assche accompanied him. They went down the Ohio to Shawneetown, where 
they disembarked, and sending their baggage around to St Louis by steamboat, they journeyed 
across the land to the same destination. 

THEY REACHED PT. LOUIS 

May 30, and on the evening of the same day Father Van Quickenborne rode on horseback out to 
Florissant. The present novitiate farm, or at least that part of it on which the houses stand, had 
been donated by Bishop Dubonrg to Father Van Q. and companions. They took posssession of the 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 215 

place, and began at once to clear land around the dwelling in order to make a garden ; and on July 
ai they began lo dig the cellar for a dwelling which, in the style of that day, was a log cabin. Mr. 
Van Assche was ordained priest In 1827, and assumed two years later the regular charge of the 
congregation at the village of Florissant. The congregation had been for a year in charge of the 
Trappists, who gave it up in ISIO, removing to Monks' Mound, on Cahokia Creek, 111. When the 
monks left Illinois in 1SI3, to return to Europe, Kev M. Durand, a member of their order, remained 
in Missouri and had charge of fne congregation at Florissant for some seven years, residing a part 
of that time in the village IIis congregation was afterwards under the care of Rev. Mr. De 
Lacroix, from 1820 to ISviS, during which time he built the present brick church of that place. In 
1823 Mr. De Lacroix made over the church to the Jesuilt Fathers, under whose charge it has re- 
maiued till the present time. In 1832 Father Van Assche began to reside at Flori.ssant. He lived 
a couple of vears at Portage des Sioux, but in 1840 he was required by his physicians to leave the 
place, which was subject to malarious influences, on account of the low, wet lands surrounding it. 
He returned to Florissant, and with the exception of three years' residence at St. Charles, Father 
Van Assche made Flnrrissant his home till his death. He lived 54 years of his long life in Mis- 
souri ; and, except for two short visits one to Cincinnati, and one to Chicago, he never in that 
time went beyond St Louis an<l st Charles' Counties He has now gone to tne reward of a long 
and useful life, followed by the praises and the benisons of all that knew him. He was a man of 
God, wlio gave up native country, a home among loved ones— and all that is near and dear to the 
human heart, in order t') make himself useful as a missionary in a strange land. 

HE SET THE EXAMPLE 

of a pious and blameless life ; and full of days, and full of merit, he expired calmly at about noon, 
on Friday. June 26, at St Stanislaus' Novitiate, Florissant, Missouri. He bore his last illness with- 
out one murmur or complaint, and seemingly without any plan. No one, knowing him personally, 
will fail g.ving assent to the prayer. May he rest in peace ! and may my last end be like to that of 
good Father Van Assche I— St. Louis Times, July, ISTT. 

ivtiss Sally Lilly remembers having heard Father Van Quickenlwrne preach a very eloquent 
sermon at Littlestown, when passing Conewago for the West. They came from Baltimore in 
wagons, having servants with them. They collected blankets and other things at Conewago. 

Old St. Inigro's IVIanor.— St. Inigo's, Md., Januarv 18 —There is but one spot in Mary- 
land which can be said to have remained in the hands of its original occupants and their 
legitimate successors since the Planting of Lord Baltimore's colony. This spot is St. Inigo's 
Manor, still the pronerty of the religious community that settled it— the Society of Jesus. Two 
rusty old cannon, insecurely mounted on loose piles of bricks, look out on the blue waters of 
the St. Mary's river as they did two centuries and a half ago ; and, with the sweet-toned beil 
which has rung the Angelus three times a day since 1682, are the sole relics visible at the site 
of the manor-house of the old colonial days. 

For many years there was exhibited at St. Mary's an elliptical table of English oak capable 
of dining thirty persons, which was brought over in the Ark, and used by the first Governor of 
the Province, Leonard Calvert, both as his dining and coun(ul table. Rev. Father Joseph E. 
Keller, late Superior of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, in a letter to a friend in 
England some years ago said : "We have got at St. Inigo's, Maryland, the original round-table 
at which the flrst Governor and his wise men sat In council, and on which were written the laws 
of the Colony and the famous statute of liberty of conscience." After passing through a num- 
ber of hands, the table became the property of a Mr. Campbell, at whose death it was purchased 
Jan. T, 1832. by Rev. Joseph Carbery, 8. J., for ten dollars, and placed at St. Inigo's, where it 
remained until a year or so ago, when it was removed to Georgetown College. Here it is 
exhibited to all wno care to see it, aud is an object of much curiosity and interest on the part 
of visitors. 

The cannon were fished out of the St. Mary's river, into which they had tumbled owing to 
the gradual washing away of St. Iniao's Fort, (built by Leonard Calvert on a point jutting out 
into the river from tlie manor lands,) by Captain Thomas Carbery, of Washington, brother of 
Father Carbery, in 1824. In 1841, at the suggestion of William Coad, member of the House of 
Delegates frorii St. Mary's, one of them was presented by Father Carbery to the State of Mary- 
land and placed in the State-house yard at Annapolis. Of the remaining three, (four in all 
were stated by Father Carbery i,o have been taken up,) one was used as a boundary mark on 
the manor line, and the other two were placed on the lawn at St. Inigo's, where they have since 
remained. It is the intention of tne present superior of the mission to have them mounted on 
pedestals of masonry near the water side, and cieaued and renovated, so that they can be used 
for tiring salutes. The metal has become rough and flaky from long immersion in mu<i and 
water, and their appearance is suilicient proof of their antiquity. The bell, which has graven 
on it the date 1682. is suspended from a pole in front of the mission house, and its silvery tones 
steal over the waters three times every day to the distant fisherman, who reverently doffs his 
cap and murmurs his prayers after the fashi'^n of his forefathers generations back. 

The founder of the Jesuit settlement at St. Inigo's was Rev. Thomas Copley, a father of the 
society, who on account of the penal laws against the Catholic clergy appears in the records, in 
common with many other Jesuit fathers, by the simple designation of "esquire" or "geutle- 
nmn." Under tae "Conditions of Plantation," published by Lord Baltimore in 1636, Thomas 
Copley, Esq., demanded grants of land in consideration of transporting Andrew White, John 
Altham (Fathers White and Altham) aud others, thirty in all, to Maryland in 1633, and Mr. John 
Knoles and other.s, to the number of nineteen, in 1637. He received in all twenty-eight thou- 
sand five hundred acres, of which he distributed the greater part to others, reserving 8,000 for 
the society. The flrst tract taken up was St. Inigo's, situated on St. Inigo's creek and St. Mary's 
river, including 2,000 acres OQ the mainland, St. George's Island 1,000 acres, and "town land" 
In and about St. Mary's city, 4iiO ac es. The "town land," after remaining in the hands of the 
Jesuits for some time, was Anally Ion to them through an error in one of the numerous convey- 
ances by which the prperty was transmitt d. The second tract taken up was St. Thomas's and 
Cedar Point Neck, now in' Charles county, near Port Tobacco. Like St. Inigo's, St. Thomas's 
manor is still the property of the Jesuits, as is also Newtown manor, formerly an estate of the 
lord proprietary, situated on the peninsuia formed by Brettoa's and St. Clement's bays, not far 
from Leonardtown. 



216 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Mattapany, afterwards tlie home of Charles, Lord Baltimore, was given to the Jesuits by King 
Pathuen, a chief of the Patuxent Indians, but was relinquished by them a few years later in 
pursuance of a contract entered into by them with Lord Baltimore, in which they agreed not to 
receive gifts of land in Maryland directly from the Indians. The present condition and appear- 
ance of Mattapany have already been described in a recent letter to The Sun. Ai Newtown 
there is an ancient church, supplied by Fattier Jenliins and the other priests of tbe Leona'dtown 
mission, and a manor-house almost if not quite as venerable. The bell, which bears the date of 
1692, and the library, one of the oldest in Maryland, were removed to Leonardtown some years 
ago, and are now at the parochial residence there. The house at St. Thomas was buined in 
1S66, and a number of valuable old records and documents destroyed. Six years later the 
manor-house at St. Inigo's, erected in 1T05, together with the library and records, met with a 
similar fate. The present building, a small brick structure, occupies the original site, and is 
composed in part of material from the ancient ediflce, which was built of bricks from the old 
Catholic church at St. Mary's, erected about 16-14. 

About two thousand acres of land are comprised in the Jesuit estate at St. Tnigo's, divided 
into farms, which are leased on libera! terms to tenants, who are selected with great care and 
usually remain on the property for long periods. The manor lands are owned by the Maryland- 
New York province of the Society of Jesus, and the revenue is applied to the support of Wood- 
stock College and the Novitiate at Frederick. The ground allotted for the support of the priests 
stationed at St. Inigo's is only about forty acres, and the impression which generally prevails 
that they have the resources of the entire estate at their coiutnand is therefore erroneous. The 
present superior of the mission. Father David B. Walker, who succeeded Father Livius Vigilante 
a few months ago, was formerly treasurer of Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmlttsburg, and more 
recently of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He is a gentleman of great f^nergy and business 
tact, and has addressed himself resolutely to the task of restoring the dilapidated buildings and 
surroundings of old St. Inigo's. The house has been repaired and repainted, and the work of 
improving the garden, grounds and farm land attached to the residence will be commenced as 
soon as practicable. His assistant. Father J. P. Neale, has been stationed at tne mission about 
ten years, and is well known to the people of the entire county for his tireless activity and en- 
thusiatic devotion to his work. Father Neale is descended from the old colonial families of 
Neale and Pye, and cherishes a deep reverence for the local ass ciations and traditions. Three 
thousand persons are included in the cure of the two priests of St. Inigo's, whose churches are 
scattered many miles apait, thus necessitating almost ceaseless activity. The parish church, 
which was built some sixty years ago, is situated about half a mile from the residence, 
and is a plain and unpretentious structure of brick. About six years ago a large frame struc- 
ture was erected on the river bank for the accommodation in summer of the scholastics from 
the Frederick Novitiate, and here for about three weeks everv year the young men enjoy a de- 
lightful holiday, inhaling the fresh, pure breezes from the St. Mary's, and spending mucti of 
their time in boating, bathing and kindred diversions. 

The Jesuits in Tlxis Country.— -There are in North America twentv-two Jesuit establish- 
ments, and twenty-one of the Jesuit colleges are in the United Sta'es. Until a few weeks ago 
the Jesuits in North America were divided among Ave provinces, but this number has been 
reduced to four by the onsolidation of the provinces of New York and Maryland The district 
which was called New York province includes New York State and British America, and at tne 
latest count had S6 priests, 122 scholastics and 121 lay brothers. The oldest province, Mary- 
land, which, in addition to the territory acquired by the late consolidation, embraces New 
England, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, had 20T 
fathers, 217 scholastics and 203 lay brothers. The province next in importance to Maryland is that 
of Missouri, which includes almost the entire Mississippi valley north of Louisiana. The fathers 
in these two provinces are all English-speaking. The third province is that of Lyons, with its 
headquarters at New Orleans and Mobile. The fathers there speak French. The fourth and 
last province, called Taurin, whose clergymen are Italian, is in California. There are" also some 
German fathers at Buffalo, which is now in the province of Maryland. The head of the Mary- 
land province is Father Brady ; of the Missouri, Father O'Neill ; of the Lyons, Father Jourdan ; 
and of the Taurin, Father Varsi. 

THEIR SUPPRESSION HERE. 

In the oldest province, Maryland, the Jesuits were established early in Colonial history, but 
In 1773 were practically suppressed, together with all the remainder of the order except that 
part of it which existed in Russia, by a brief of Pope Clement XV., who was forced to take that 
step by the hostile stand made against the followers of Loyola by France, Spain, Portugal, 
Parma, Naples and Austria. Prussia remained friendly to the order, and so did Russia, whose 
sovereign, Catharine, althougli a member of the Greek Church, manifested the warmest admi- 
ration for the Jesuits and kept them within her dominions because she believed that such a 
course was the best she could take for the cause of education. Her son, Paul, grandfather of 
the present C2sar, was also a strong friend of the Jesuits, and some notable writers express the 
belief that but for his early death the Greek Church would have been reconciled with Rome. 

Under the papal brief, the property of the oriler was coutiscated, although in most countries 
the members received annuities and were allowed to live privately. It has bpen a mooted ques- 
tion whether the utterance of Pope Clement was a real suppression of the Jesuits, in accordance 
with the laws of the Church, the arguraenn having been advanced that a bull would be required 
to suppress the order and that its abolition could not have been effected by a simple brief. In 
1S01, however, Pope Plus VII., after condriulng the Russian branch of the order, under the head 
of a Vicar General, granted permission for the Jesuits in the Province of Maryland to resume 
their establishments upon condition of being considered as joined to the Russian branch, and 
in 1814, immediately after the fall of Napoleon, tho same Pope re-established the order under 
its old form. 

THE HEAD OF THE PREACHERS, 

Father Maguire, who is to lead the mission t^lat begins to-day a* St. Edward's, is one of the 
ablest priests in his order. He was born in Ireland, and came to this country when very young. 
His mother died In Frederick, Maryland, leaving him apparently friendless and without re- 
sources. Father McElroy, of St. John's College, Frederick, took a fancy to the bright lad, liow- 
ever, adopted him, and put him to study. While a scholastic at that institution he proved an 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 217 

unusually excellent teacher of the junior students, and he had not been ordained priest a year 
when he was taV;en from the pastorate of Gonzaga Church, Washington, and made president of 
Georgetown College. His success in that position was remarkable, but his oratorical powers 
proved the cause of his removal from the presidency in order that he might be made head of 
the missionaries. In person he is tall and slim, with iron-grar hair, and, although having an 
ascetic expression of countenance, possesses a magnetic geniality. He would seem to be sev- 
enty years of age, but is not more than sixty-one. The ceaseless labor that has proved so 
effective has made its mark upon him, and yet he was never more eloquent than now and never 
undertook a task with greater energy. Whenever he preaches the building is densely thronged 
with people, and the c:owd is by no means made up entirely of those professing the faith he 
teaf'hes. 

St. Edward's Church, of which the Rev. Edward Sullivan is pastor and the Rev. John Mellon 
assistant priest, was formerly an Episcopalian place of worship. It stands close t'^ the place 
which was the headquarters of Washington at the time of the battle of Germantown. Upon 
the conclusion of the mission at St. Edward's the three Fathers, reinforced by two or three 
others of their order, will begin a mission at the Cathedral ot St. Peter and St. Fa,n].—Frovi a 
.tketch published when the Jefudts gave a Mission in PJiiladelpliia, about eight or ten years a^/Q. 

Toleration in Maryland.— At a meeting of the Maryland Historical Society, several years 
ago, Gen. Bradley T. Johnson read a paper on the foundation of Maryland The paper recited the 
three theories of the origin of religious toleration in MarylaiLd : First, that it was adopted by Lord 
Baltimore to attract settlers This is the theory of Lodge and Dovle. the latest writers on the sub- 
ject. Second, that he founded a Catholic colony as a refuge for Catholics, and declared freedom 
of conscience, moved by the teachings of the church. This is the theory of Cardinal Manning and 
Catholic writers generally. Third, that the Protestants were in the majority, and thus adopted 
and enforced it because it was the principle of their religion. This is the position of Mr. Glad- 
stone and Protestant authors. Gen Johnson contended that none of these is correct. 

Lord Baltimore, satisfied that free institutions were about to perish in England in the reign of 
Charles I, formed the deliberate purpose of founding a State in which all the rights, liberties and 
franchises of Englishmen should be enjoyed, secured by all the guarantees of magna charta. — 
Many facts made known in 18TS by the publication of the "Records of the English Province of the 
Society of Jesus," preserved at Stonyhurst, prove this purpose of Lord Baltimore. 

The original colony was organized by the appointment of Leonard Calvert governor and Je- 
rome Hawley counsellor. Catholics and Capt. Thomas Cornwallys, Protestant. The colony was 
largely Protestant, and was undertaken under the advice of Mutius Vitelleschi, general of the So- 
ciety of Jesus at Rome, and of its provincial. Father Richard Blount, of England, who sent out 
two Jesuit priests with the expedition The emigration of all Christians was encouraged by the 
promise of freedom of conscience by his proclamation in 1634. 

Gen. Johnson referred to the code of laws prepared l)y Lord Baltimore and the early history of 
the proprietary government in support of his proposition." After the battle of Naseljy had decided 
the fate of the English monarchy, in 1615, Lord Baltimore was obliged to reconcile "the condition 
of affairs in his colony with that in England. In July. August and September, 16*8, he counseled 
with Father Henry Jlore, provincial of Jesuits in England, as to the proper measures to be adop- 
ted to reconcile Puritans and Koman Catholics— the Jesuits and his government in Maryland. 

Father More was a great grandson of Sir Thomas IMore, Lord High Chancellor of England, 
who was a martyr for his religion He was historian of the Jesuits, able, pious and learned. He 
prepared and proposed to Lord Baltimore the scheme which he adopted, to wit : That he should 
appoint Protestants to govern the province ; that he should bind them by otfieial oaths to disturb 
no one on account of his religion, especially no Roman Catholic; that he should forbid the Gover- 
nor assenting to any law concerning religion ; that he should issue new conditions of plantation, 
enforcing the statutes of Mortmain, and he prepared a code of sixteen laws, which the proprietary 
assented to beforehand, and which he stipulated must be adopted within twelve months without 
amendment or alteration. The first one of these sixteen laws was the act concerning religion— 
the Maryland act for religious toleration. 

Th'i terms of the settlement were sent to Maryland. The Assembly in 1649 adopted seven of 
the sixteen laws, first among them the toleration act, and in 16.5i> adopted the other nine of the 
proposed acts Thut it is shown that the act concerning religion was but a pai-t of the mature 
purpose of Lord Baltimore to found the State on the institutions of magna charta, and it was 
drawn up and proposed to him as part of a general scheme of compromise and settlement for Pu- 
ritan and Catholic m the colony by Father Henry More, the provincial of the English province of 
the Society of Jesus. 



Among the Jesuits.- Yesterday was the feast of St. Ignat'us, the apostle of the Jesuits, 
and was fittingly observed at the church of that name in Bali imore. To-morrow the celebration 
will be continued by a grand high mass at eleven o'clock and a sermon by one of the most dis- 
tinguished members of the order in this country. In the evening there will be solemn vespers, 
followe' by benediction of the sacrament and another sermon. As usual on St. Ignatius' Day, 
the appointments and changes for the year were announced. Rev. Edward A. McGurk, wlio 
has been president of Loyola College, adjoining the chui-ch, for eight years, was transferred to 
the rectorship of Gonzaga College, Washington. This change was not unexpected, since it 
rarely happens that any Jesuit ever remains longer than three years at one college. Yet, Father 
McGurk had so endeared himself to all his parishioners that not a few of them hoped he would 
be continued here at least another year. No priest in the h'story of the order in this city has 
done so much for Loyola College and St. Ignatius' Church as Father McGiirk. It was mainly 
through his indefatigable work that the interior of the church was recently made one of the 
handsomest in the city, and the college one of the leading institutions of learning. Besides 
this, he labored hard to reduce the debt on the property, and succeeded in doing so by many 
thousands of dollars. His successor will not be named for a few days, but he will probably be 
Rev. Francis A. Smith, S. J., at present stationed at Loyola, now in New York on a visit. In 
the meantime. Rev. Fater Dougherty, who last year taught the poetry and rhetoric classes 
here, is acting president. Afterward he goes to Washington to assist Father McGurk. 

Prof. E. Spillam has likewise been transferred to Washington. Prof. M. Cunningham, who 
had charge of the preparatory denartment of Loyola, has gone to Jersey City to replace Prof. J. 



218 CONEWAGO— A COLLECTION OF 

Haan, who comes to Baltimore. Professors Morrison, (^iiigley anil Van Rensslaer will goto 
Woodstock, the theological seminary of the order. Professor Woods, of Fordham University, 
and two members of the Woodstoclc scholasticate, will be stationed in Baltimore during the 
coming school year. Rev. T). Daly will be minister of Loyola next year. Changes at Woodstock 
and Frederick will be announced to-day. Loyola, as well as Woodstock. Frederick. Gonzaga 
and Georgetown Colleges are within the precincts of the New York-ATaryland province, in 
charge of Very Rev. Robert Fulton, S. J., provincial, although he has no power to make chan- 
ges or appointments. These ai-e regulated by Father General Becks, throush his vicar, the 
Very Rev. Anthony Anderledy, who, since the banishment of the Jesuits fvom France, has resi- 
ded at Fresole, near Florence, Italy. New York, recently consolidat'^d with the Maryland pro- 
vince, was formerly annexed to the Canadian province, which in turn has been consolidated 
with the province of England. The New Yoi k-Maryland and Canad'an provinces are the only 
provinces in America. The former embraces, besides thosi' two states, the territow of Penn- 
sylvania and Massachusetts. Missions nave been esfaolished in New Orleans, Buffalo, Califor- 
nia, New Mexico, and in the Rocky Mountains. 

The most impoitant college m the province is at Woodstock where theological studies are 
Dursued. The number of candidates is alwa' s large nctwithstandlng the very rig'd course of 
studies and discipline. Great discrimination, however, is used in the choice of candidates 
for membership. Some circumstances or qualities form absolute imoediraents to admission ; 
such as membership even for a day in another order, or notab'e weakness of int'sllect. Less 
serious impediments like ill-teraner, obstnacv, injud cious enthusia m or vis)ionary dpvotion, 
etc., may be compensated for by other redeeming qualities and circumstances. The fifst pro- 
bation consists of a neriod of some weeks spent in a house of the society where certain ques- 
tions as to habits are asked and answered. The second probation cou«ists of two years given 
up to spiritual exercises. At the end of this time the novice pronounces the simple vows of 
poverty, chastity and obedience, with a formal promise to enter the society at a futu'e day. 
Then two more years are spent in the study of the Latin and Greek languages, after which 
three years are devoted to mental and moral philosophy and the sciences. Every six months the 
scholastic undergoes a searching examination before four sworn examiners. After this he is 
sent to teach in a college both for the purpose of enabling hira to applv his acquired knowledge 
and to train him to the science of governing men Three years later he is elevated to the prist- 
hood. But few Jesuits rise to a position above the priesthSo'', as the order provides against all 
honors. — Baltimore paper of Au<ju.st l.s<, 1885. 

Keenan.— The late Father Keenan, of Lancaster, Pa., whose death occurred on Monday, the 
19th ult., was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to Philadelphia in 1820 with Bishop Con- 
well, second Bishop of Philadelphia. He was ordained in 1821 and went to St. Mary's College, 
Emmittsburg, Md.. where he remained until the death of Father Holland, the pastor of St. Mary's, 
Lancaster, which occurred in 1823. He was then appointed to his first and only parish— St. Mary's, 
whose congregation then worshipped in a small stone edifice which still stands next the present 
church. Father Schenfelder, who was then assistant at Lancaster died shortly afterwards ; and 
from that time until 1852 Father Keenan labored at Lancaster alone Priests were then few and 
far between, and Father Keenan had to attend at Columbia, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Elizabethtown, 
Coldbrooke, and other places. During the pi'ogress of state works he was frequently called to at- 
tend the sick thirty and forty miles The construction of canals and railroads was begun and large 
numbers of poor Irish laborers were employed on them. His life runs parallel with that of the 
celebrated Kev Father John McElroy, S. J., who was oidained in 1817 and who took charge of the 
little church in Frederick City in 1822, a year before Father Keenan settled in Lancaster, whom he 
yet survives. 

Close by St Mary's new church, a handsome brick church, built by Father Keenan in 1852, 
stands the old church in which the Catholics of Lancaster and many miles around heard Mass for 
many long years It is of stone, and well built, and has stood since 1762 The first church was a 
log structure, built in 1745, located on Vine 'treet, near Prince. In 176(' it was destroyed by fire, 
and was replaced l)y this building, which was then reputed "a very commodious structure."' ^a 
incident of its erection recalls the days of the mnmitive Christians, for the wo-nen mixed th<» mor- 
tar, and the men, after gathering stones in the fields, helped the masons to lay them. 

Only think! Thirty years before Independence Bell rang out the glad tidings of freedom to 
the land, when Catholics were few and poor, scattered and unpopular, when the Penal Laws were 
still unrepealed, a Molineaux, a Farmer, a Schneider, Pellentz, filing, Brosius Hellron, Rossel- 
ler, Stafford, Geissler, Hamm, Montgrand, Fitzsimmons, Lewermond, Janin. Entzen, Coleman, 
Egan (afterwards Bishon of Philadelphia). De Barth, Becher, st(ecker, O''"onnor, Byron, and Hol- 
land— al' true priests; some Jesuits, others seculars; some Irish, some German— successively la- 
bored and toiled in the spiritual vineyard, and kept alive the faith in Lancaster and a wide circle 
of country. 

In the graveyard near lest many of the faithful; in the chnrch— the old, dilapidated, plain 
edifice, now abandonel— once ministered the Most Rev. John Carroll, D. D., first Archbishop of 
Baltimore, and first Bishop consecrated for the United States. 

In the old graveyard are monuments to the Fly nns, (,a very large handsome one near the road) 
Hoovers, McGranns, Donnellys, Thomsons, Stockslegers, Hooks, McConomys, Lachlers, Dalys, 
&c. — Standard, March Wth, 1877, 

Frederic^, Md., Sept, 12, 1877.— The venerable Father John McEIroy, of the Society of 
Jesus, died this morning at the Novitiate in this city, aged 95 vears, having been b^rn in the town 
of Innis Killin, province of Ulster, and county of Fermannaugh. Ireland, in the year 1T82. At the 
time of hie death he was in the sixtieth year of his priesthood', and was the oldest living member 
of the Society of Jesus. Till within one year he had remained at his priestly duties, his practical 
retiremeht being enforced by bliudness. For a short while in his early life he engaged in com- 
mercial pursuits, but soon entered the Georgetown College, where he was treasurer of all the tem- 
poralities of the institution for eight or nine years, studying during his leisure hours for the min- 
istry. He was ordained in Georgetown Col'ege Chapel by Most Hev. Leonard Neal. Archbishop 
of Baltimore, on the 3d of May, 181T. at 35 years of .age. During his ministration here he built the 
large and elegant church of Saint John, and also a large portion of the building now known as the 
Academy of the Visitation, 



CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 219 

Tbe Mexican war having broken out, President Polk called npon the Bishops for a chaplain 
lor the army, nnd Ifather MeElioy had the honor of being selected by them, with Father Ray, to 
accompany the troops. These were the only two chaplains in the army. Father McElroy took a 
very active part in the campaign, and had i-harge of the «ick and woundfd at Metamoras. After 
the war he was stationed at Boston, Mass., where he built the Church and OoHesre of the Immac- 
ulate Conception. As an evidence of his Influence and the estimation in which he was held by his 
people, a single instance need be referred to. While the Washington branch of the Ttaltimore and 
Ohio railroad was being built a riot broke out among the laborers, and the military had to be cal- 
led on to suppress it. Father AI(-Elroy hastened to the scene, and it was wholly due to his influ- 
ence over the riotei's that bloodshed was prevented. 

Father IMcElroy lost the use of his eyes about the year 18fi8 ; still he remained active enough 
to attend to his essential duties as a priest, and these he continued to perform with all the fidelity 
that marked his earlier years. On the 2d of .January. 1S76, he preached his last public sermon in 
Saint John's Church. An immense congregation assembled to »iear him, among whom were manv 
Protestants. The scene as this man of c-Jod was led into the church by two attendants whs deeplv 
impressive, and manv eyes were suffused with tears as thev gazed upon his sightless orbs, trem- 
bling steps'and long flovving hair, whitened by the frosts of more than four score winters. He was 
still a man of splend'd phvsiquf, and as he sat uttering words of wisdom to his attentive auditors 
he reminded "ne of the patriarchs of old. Tn Frederick, whpre '^e lived more than twenty years 
a« pastor, he was much beloved by all denomina'ions, and his name is held in bpuediction. His 
funeral will take place '^aturdav. The sermon on the occasion will be preachPd by Father Mc- 
Guire, of fittsburg, and a numl)er of prominent priests will be present. 

Kev. Angelo M. Paresce, S. J., one of the most learned and distinguished member of the 
Jesuit Order m Maryland, died at Woodstock College, Howard County, on Wednesday, the 9th 
inst,, in the C2d year of his aare. 

Deceased was a Neapolitan by birth, but his long residence in this country Americanized 
him to such a <iegree that the closest observer could scfircely teil he was of foreign birth. 

Tn 1845, when thp late Dr. Ryder was seeking rec-u'ts of voung .Tpsuits in Italv for the pro- 
vince of Mary'and, Father Paresce was Professor of Chemistry and Vatural Sciences in the 
College of his Ordpr at Benavento. He agreed to accompany Dr. Kyfier to America. Arriving 
here m 1846, he prosecuted his studies in theolosrv, and was ordained nriest in 1848. Immedi- 
ately on his ordination, he was appointed minister of Georgetown College under Dr. Ryder, 
where he continued in charge of the internal economy of the institution until 1851. 

His zealousness and executive abilitv won thp annreciation of his suppriors, and hp was 
aopointed to the government and direction of thP vonneer members of the Order in the Novi- 
tiate at Frederick. Here, as at Georgetown CollPge, he was eminpntiv successful in the dis- 
charge of the dutiPS assigned him, and in 1861 he was anpointed provincial sunerior. 

His (government in that capacity, though in tvouhlpsoroe times, was marked bv the comple- 
tion of Woodstock House of Studips. Hp was thP first rector of the institution, and hv his 
admirable tact and prudence, as displayed in former charges. Woodstock became famous even 
among the most famous of rhe colleges of which Europe boasts. 

T>ec'ininff health c.ompellPd him of late years to ewe up all active employment, hut he 
remained still at Woodstock tohPln with his counsel thosp who succeedPd him in its government. 
A man of the most bi'oadened views and commandins' talent, he could direct and sutiprvisp at 
the same time the hiarhps, and lowest studies, while his urbanitv could smooth everv difflcultv 
and attract to himsplf the love and rpsnect and venpration of all who dwelt in the same house, 
or wpre subject to him in the various houses of his jurisdiction. 

His death, from pa^-alysis of the brain, was very srdden, and his remains were interred 
among those of his brpthfen who had gone before, in the beautiful cemetery adjoining the 
coWege.— April 19^/(, 1879. 

Death of an Eminent Theoloeian.— Manv priests in this and other countries will regret 
to learn that their erudite and amiable professor. Rev. .Tosenh M Duvernev. S. J., is no more. He 
d'Pd in the midst of his religious brethren of the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate. Frederick, Md., 
;'t three mi'utes before nine on the evening of the ^n-\ ins'., having been carried away by an at- 
tack of pleuropneumonia, that just manifested itself on the rirevious Saturdav. During his last 
illness, even during his last moments, he was, as he had always been during his ions life, gentle 
and cheerful, with his life's o-reat object as near to his heart and full in his mind as ever. Almost 
his last words were a commendation to those whom it concerned to teach thoroughly and at any 
sacrifice the young religious, themselves destined to be professors, that had of 'ate been the spe- 
cia' objects of his ove and 'abor. Three years aso he ce'ebrated the go'den jubi'ee of his fiftieth 
year as a Jesuit, during which period he iiad fi led chairs of theology, Hebrew, canon 'aw, philo- 
sophy, and modern 'angiiasres at various times, but with unvaried success at the Iniversities of 
Friburg. in Switzerand. of Georgetown, D. C , at the Colleges of Fordham. N. Y., Boston. Atass.. 
and Woodstock, Md., and fina"v, for the 'ast few vears, at the Novitiate. During a short interva. 
he was engaged in parochia' ministrations at st. Josephs Church. Phi'ade'phia Iru'y, his sev- 
enty-two years of 'ife were given who'iy to God and hi« fe'iow-man : and he te't the sweetness of 
it at 'ast, for he died witn a smi'e on his lips, and his eyes looking wistfully to futurity for his re- 
ward exceeding great. R. I. F.—Xov. nd, 1878. 

Virginia Catliolic -"Let it suffice to say that as a part of the Snanish province of F'orida, 
Virginia was Catho'ic before she was Protestant ; that .she was the co'ony "f a Catho'ic power be- 
fore the first Kng ishman trod her soil ; that her first governor was Don Sedro Memlez, a devout 
Catholic ; that in company with a CathoUc priest, this Catho'ic governor visited her shores eight 
years before Captain John Smith was born ; that the beautiful bay which washes her eastern 
khore was first named bv Catholic discoverers in honor of the Blessed V irgin Santa Mam Bay : 
and that there was '-.. log chapel dedicated under the protection of the Iinmiculate Mother of God 
on the banks of the Ttappahannock more than three centuries ago : a dozen years before the hrst 
voyage by Eno-ishmeii to the New World was undprtaken by Sir Humphrey Gi bort, more than a 
third of a century before the first successful landing wis made by the ISug'.ish at Jamestown, and 
fifty years before the Mayflower touched at P'ymouth Rock. , •,• i <■„».»,,> 

■ ''The Viro-lnia Catholic of 1874 may, with some pride, reflect that the only civilized feet that 



220 CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. 

trod Virginia's soil in 15T4 were Catholic feet-cniefly the feet of members of that wonderful Soci- 
ety of Jesus, to whose zeal, devotion and heroism the discovery and christianization of the New 
\Vor!d owe more than to ail other human agencies combined."— Memoranda of the History of the 
Catholic Church in Richmond, Va., by A. M. Keiley. 

Philadelphia, June 27, 1885.— Rev. Domenic P. Coppens, S. J., died last evening of 
heart disease at the pastoral residence of the Church of the Gesu. His brother. Rev. Alphonse 
Coppens, is one of the assistant priests at the Gesu. The deceased was thirty-seven years of 
age. He came to this city from Washington, D. C, where he was assistant priest at the Church 
ot St. Ignatius. He was born in Belgium, and was ordained a priest about seven years ago. 
His longest mission was at Frederick, Md. 

Brute,— One of our excuauges in its report of the burial of the late Bishop de St. Palais, of 
Vincennes, says that the corpse of Bishop Brute was found in the vault in a state of perfect 
preservation, so that those who were familiar with his features could not fail to recognize him. 
"Corpora sanctorum in pace sepulta sunt et vivunt nomina eorum in perpetuum."— Jm??/ 21, 1S7T. 

When, in 186S, Bishop Shanahan took charge of the Diocese of Harrisburg. he had but 
twenty priests— he has now iorty-one.— Freeman's Journal, Dee. 18, 1875. 



Right Rey. John Timon, D. D. 

Humble Missionary Priest and Holy Bishop. Born at Conewago, Feb. 12th, 
1797. Died April 6th, 1867. 



Fioiu an Eagraviiij; in ratholic Family Annual, ISsti. 




The edition of this Collection of Catholic History is very limited. As it' 
is a history of the growth of the Catholic Church iu the East, from missionary 
times, we hope the clergy, the religious, and those of the laity who appre-' 
ciate our expense and labor, will encourage its sale. It is, put, up in cloth 
binding, and will be sent to any address, postage prepaid., on receipt, of $2. 
Address, JOHN T. REILY, 
. . MARTiNijBURG, .West Va.; 



^rZ%. CON TE NTS, jsiia. 

Photograph Pictures of Fathers Enders, Dencckere, 
Villiger and Emig ; View of Conevvago Church with old Cu- 
pola; View of Interior, showing Marble Altar. Dedicatory. 
Introduction. 

The Church and Its Heroes ; The Discoverers of page 
America; Labors of the Jesuits, 1 

Penn and Calvert, Settlement of Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania, Laws against Catholics 10 

Boundary Difficulties, Troubles between Proprietar- 
ies and Settlers, 17 

" Digges' Choice," Takes in the Conewago Valley, 
Early Settlers, Fatal Difficulty between Digges and Kitz- 
miller, 21 

The Conewago Valley, Location, Settled by Catholics, 26 

Early history of Conewago, Claims of the CarroUs, The 
Indians, Stage Roads, Hanover Settlement, 30 

The Conewago of the Indians, Its Origin, 34 

The First Place of Worship, Lands Taken Up, First 
Missionaries, Introduction of Catholicity into the Province, 
Father Greaton, 37 

The Log Church Built, Theodore Schneider, S. J., Wm. 
Wapeler, S. J,, 4o 

First Resident Priest, Matthias Manners, S. J., Num- 
ber of Catholics, 47 

The Log Church Enlarged, The Md. Jesuits, Arrival of 
Revs. Pellentz, Frambach, Williams and Andrews, 50 

The Sacred Heart Built, Bishop Carroll's Visit, Growth 
of the Church, Father Pellentz, 52 

Father Pellentz to Father DeBarth, Fathers Brosius 
Erntzen, Sewall, Boarman, Manly, Mertz, Zocchi, Gallit- 
zin, 57 

Father DeBarth to Father Lekeu, Fathers Carr, Roloff, 
Marshall, Lekeu, Rantzau, Mayerhoffer, Cummiskey, 
Stogan, Boschter, O'Connor, DeBarth, Britt, Byrne, Lar- 
hue, Dvveen or Divin, 61 

Father Lekeu to Fr. Enders, Improvements at Cone- 
wago, Fathers Kohlman, Dougherty, Dween, Beschter, 
Barber, Kendeler, Steinbacher, Sacchi, Tuffer, Gibbons, 
Villiger, Cotting, Ac 66 

The Work of Father Enders, Church Enlarged, Fath- 
ers Deneckere, Manns, Villiger, Dougherty, Kreighton, 
Dietz, Reiter, Haller, Cattani, Dom Pieri, Tufler, Bellwal- 
der, &c 70 

Father Enders Returns, New Steeple Built, Marble Al- 
tar Erected ; Fathers Deneckere, Manns, Emig, Villiger, 
Flannigan, Archambault, Richards, Jamieson, Casey, Du- 
four : Father Enders' Golden Jubilee ; His Death, Father 
Forhan succeeds, 74 



Education at Conevvago, Schools Established, The Sis- 
ters ot" McSherrystown, 79 

The "Seminary Farm," Fathers Heront, Tessier, Grif- 
tin, Myers, Dubois, Dillet, Deluol, Marshall, Trappist 

Monks at the Pitreon Hills, 84 

The Paradise Church 88 

The Littlestown Church 95 

The Hanover Church 97 

The New Oxford Church, 101 

The Bonneauyille Church, 102 

The Gettysburg Chuich, 104 

The Mountain Church, 106 

The Taneytovvn Church, 108 

The Westminster Church, 112 

The Frederick Church, 113 

The Hagerstovvn Church, 116 

The York, Harrisburg, Carlisle and Chambersburg 

Churches 123 

The Keyser Church, 129 

The Church in West Virginia, 132 

The Martinsburg Church, 133 

The Cumberland Church, 144 

Biographical Sketches, Engravings of Fathers Gallitzin 
and Pellentz and Conewago Chapel ; Sketches of Fathers 
Gallitzin, Pellentz, Frambach, BishopTimon, Frs. Villiger, 
Manns, Deneckere, Emig, Cutting, Enders, DeBarth, Bar- 
ber, Ileront, Baron De Beelen,. 145 

The Winchester Church, 159 

The Gettysburg Church, 161 

A Collection of Scraps About Conewago and the 

Priests 166 

Death of Father Deneckere, 175 

A Diary of One of the Conewago Priests, 1844 to 1846, 178 

Outline Drawing of the Old Conewago Church, 183 

Enlargement of Conewago Church, 1850, 184 

Conewago Notes by Mrs. Jane Jenkins, 192 

Sketch and Picture of Cardinal McCloskey and Old St. 

Peter's Church, New York, 197 

Corrections and Additions, 198 

List of Jesuit Superiors of Maryland, Presidents of 

Colleges, &c., 204 

List of Catholic Archbishops and Bishops of U. S., 206 

Addenda, Early Priests and Old Families, 208 

Newspaper Clippings,— Jesuits' Golden Jubilee, Old St. 
Inigoes, Missionary's Death, Church at Lancaster, Deaths 
of Fathers Parasce, Duverney, McElroy; Lecture by Fath- 
er McGurk. Church in America, Jesuit Matters, Toleration 
in Maryland, The Church in Virginia, Engraving of Bish- 
op John Timon, 209 



^ I 



CONEWAGO. 



A COLLECTION 



o^ 





i Catholic Local History. 



i 



Isi 



E 



M 



By JOHN T. REILY. 



lase. 



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